We learned Wednesday that some exciting plans are ahead for Exploration Place in the coming years.
The "EP2 Initiative" is a three-phase, $22 million project that will begin with construction of an outdoor amphitheater this fall, with scheduled completion in 2024. The first phase will cost $1.5 million. Phase 2 will build an outdoor playscape on the southeast part of the property, much like Tulsa, Oklahoma has done with "The Gathering Place." So far, $4.6 million of the $17 million is committed to Phase 2, with a completion date of 2025. Phase 3 will cover $3.5 million in indoor renovations.
E-P has requested $7 million in funding from the county, to be spread out over multiple years.
Commissioner Sarah Lopez, who serves on the Exploration Place board, was quite enthusiastic about the future plans.
The downtown Wichita science center opened in April 2000.
