City of Topeka to vote on Discovery Center Expansion

TOPEKA (KSNT) - The Kansas Children's Discovery Center is set to double in size following a decision from city leaders.

The project is partially funded by the Gage Park Tax Initiative, which took effect April 2023. The tax initiative is a 0.2% on sales across Shawnee County. Included in the revenue share is at least 58% to the Topeka Zoo, and 15% to the Discovery Center.

For the grand expansion, at least $500,000 will come from the Gage Park tax revenue, with the majority of the $10 million coming from bank loans and private donors. 

Dené Mosier, the President and CEO of the Kansas Children's Discovery Center, is excited for the new space.

"This is going to be an opportunity to introduce children to new careers and think about trades," Mosier said. "They're going to have hands-on learning. They'll be able to come in and try things out and have an iterated process where they can grow those skills in their learning and play."

Approval at July 9's Topeka City Council meeting will allow for more than 16,000 square feet of expansion and 75 new parking spots.

Kody Claussen, 10, was visiting the center Tuesday.

"I think that's going to be pretty cool, because then you could have lots more stuff for older kids," Kody said. "And, maybe you could do more science projects and more history maybe."

His brother, 8-year-old Konner Claussen, shared his excitement.

"I think it will be cool, because it will be big, and it can have more kids and a lot of new things," Konner said.

One activity employees said they were most excited about is a new climbing tower. The center plans to break ground in late August and be finished with the expansion 12-14 months after that.

Before the end of the month, there are three listening sessions the Kansas Children's Discovery Center encourages both children and adults to attend with suggestions and ideas for new exhibits and activities.

• 6 p.m. on July 18 at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center

• 3 p.m. on July 23 at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center

• 10 a.m. on July 24 at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center

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