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Akron Children’s Museum announces 3,000 square foot expansion at Lock 3 Park

The expansion is anticipated to be finished by 2023.

AKRON, Ohio — EDITOR’S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on April 4, 2022.

The Akron Children’s Museum is set to announce its 3,000 square foot expansion at the City of Akron’s Lock 3 Park. 

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Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan will speak to the community on Wednesday at 10 a.m., discussing the importance of children’s museums. During the event, a tour of the construction site will take place. 

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The new expansion will result in a 13,000-square-foot museum, which is all part of the Power of Play Capital Campaign.  

In the new space, the museum will have a sensory room, private party room, redesigned makerspace and a STEM education experience for children, youth and their families to take part in. 

“The Akron Children’s Museum has become a destination for schools having essential learning experiences, families hosting birthday parties, and summer campers looking for informal learning opportunities in a bright and safe environment,” said Executive Director Traci Buckner. The museum has grown to be recognized as a place to inspire our next generation to pursue creativity, the arts, STEM education, and more.  It’s thanks to dedicated community leaders such as Honorary Chairman Dave Lieberth and Chairwoman Christine Yuhasz that we are approaching the finish line to the campaign.”   

Throughout the Power of Play Capital Campaign that started prior to the COVID-19 campaign, half a million dollars were given in gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations. 

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The museum is asking community members to help raise $150,000 to help complete the final phase of the project. 

“We are inviting the community to help us cross the finish line so we can fill the newly expanded space with all of the elements and exhibits to complete the final phase of the expansion project by 2023,” said President of the Board of Directors Bill Lowery

More information on the Akron Children’s Museum and the Power of Play Capital Campaign can be found at https://akronkids.org/support/capital-campaign

EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on April 18, 2022. 

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