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Powerhouse

Science center’s welcome reopening exemplifies great effort and discipline

The Powerhouse Science Center has long proven itself as a beloved community resource that has drawn dedicated support, expanded science education in the region, and engaged residents and visitors in dynamic exhibits – all in a space that links to Durango’s past. The facility and its programming represent a decade and a half’s labor of love, as well as a story of endurance and resilience. When the center reopened Saturday after a four-month closure, it concluded a dark chapter. Those who worked to do so deserve congratulations.

The vision for the Powerhouse began in 1999 when the Children’s Museum of Durango, then housed above the Durango Arts Center, outgrew its space. The museum’s supporters and advocates set their sites on the long-abandoned power plant building on the banks of the Animas River, and conducted a major capital campaign to transform the facility into a public space. Doing so took many years and much investment – of time, money, work and vision. When the facility opened its doors – as the Durango Discovery Museum – in 2011, it culminated nine years of restoration, renovation and vision. It has since evolved to incorporate an even greater science focus, with expanded educational programming both at the center and throughout the region. The Powerhouse has built a dedicated following from funders, community partners and visitors. Most importantly, though, for the center’s mission “to spark curiosity, ignite imagination, power exploration,” it has engaged young people in exploring the sciences.

Despite the Powerhouse’s many impressive achievements throughout its evolution, it has for years lacked sufficient resources to sustain its many programs. That imbalance reached a crisis point in May, and the center closed — abruptly and painfully; the staff was dismissed with no warning and all programs ceased. The situation was handled poorly and trust was lost, far and wide. Nevertheless, the board of directors doubled down on its commitment to the Powerhouse and committed itself to righting the faltering facility with a pared down budget that allows it to operate within its means. Some staff has returned to help, and the center is on the road to recovery – and beyond.

Saturday’s reopening is significant for the Powerhouse, of course, but also for the community as a whole. The center never would have come to be without significant investment in its facility – from individuals, corporate donors, charitable organizations, state funding and the city’s contribution of the building itself in a no-cost lease. It would not have evolved from a children’s museum into a state-of-the-art science center without the drive and expertise of a dedicated team of staff, volunteers, contributors and board members. Through a traumatic closure – always intended to be temporary, but nonetheless alarming – the Powerhouse board shook that foundation. That the board was able to set it right is encouraging.

In order to ensure the Powerhouse can sustain in its important community role, the board must sustain its dedicated involvement in securing the resources needed to run the facility and its programs. There is much to build on now that the Powerhouse has reopened. That effort will be helped by community support of this enduring asset.



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