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The
Greensboro Science Center
, a
three-in-one science destination that includes an aquarium, zoo, and
science museum, has seen record attendance numbers in the past two years,
jumping from an average of 200,000 to over 400,000 annually with an
estimated $25 million economic impact on the community. The Center is
on a trajectory to realize its original core vision through a series of ongoing
improvements and new exhibits, funded by a $20 million bond referendum
(approved by voters in 2009) and private donations. The 22,000 square foot
Carolina
SciQuarium
houses a 119,500 gallon aquarium, North Carolina’s
only centrally located “inland” aquarium. The SciQuarium opened in June
2013 and offers a complete immersion experience, with over 300,000 in
attendance during the first year of operation. Visitors can engage with animal keepers and educators to learn
about the different species of animals and fish. In 2014, the Center received a $1 million private donation for
the current expansion of the SciQuarium, allowing for at least 40-50 new species and a focus on ocean
conservation. In addition, behind-the-scenes tours and educational
SciPods
focus on the science of animal
care. Also located at the site will be an art gallery, classrooms, and renovations to the museum including
“
HealthQues
t”, a human health and biology wing. Newly opened in 2015 is
SKYWILD
, an aerial attraction
of ropes, platforms, and zip lines. The aerial obstacle course is designed for education, family entertainment,
physical fitness, team-building, leadership training, and pure thrill-seeking. Also opened in 2015 is
SciPlayBay
, a sea focused adventure for children age seven and under, providing a hands-on interaction and
educational
experience. Another project in the works for 2017 is
Prehistoric Passages
, a new $2 million
interactive dinosaur exhibit and theater with a prehistoric petting zoo and fossils that tell a story, projected
using large screens and holograms. The Animal Discovery Zoological Park currently offers 12 acres of close
encounters with many animal species and is expected to double in size over the next three years, representing
a $10 million investment. In April 2014, the Center earned the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
accreditation, a high award, that only 223 of the more that 2,000 facilities nationally that exhibit animals
receive. The Greensboro Science Center is the only facility in the state to offer an accredited science museum,
zoological park,
OmniSphere Theater
and aquarium in a single destination. It ranked number three in North
Carolina as the top field trip attraction, receiving students, visitors and educators from throughout the state.
The proposed ten-year
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
includes approximately
$1.62 billion for projects that will be undertaken during FY 2017-2026 and
outlines a future financing plan to maintain the City’s current infrastructure and
develop new facilities where needed to help achieve the City Council’s strategic
service priorities. A substantial portion of the CIP relates to Street Improvements
and Water Resources projects. Additional amounts are planned for Parks and
Recreation projects, Libraries and Fire Stations.
While the substantial portion of
the CIP is funded by bonds and Enterprise Fund operations, the CIP is also
funded by grant revenue, including community contributions, community
development efforts, transit and other sources. During the 10 year planning
period, grants are projected to be available to support a variety of Transportation
projects, including sidewalk construction, road projects, and transit
improvements. Total Grants funding in the CIP equates to $293 million, approximately 17% of the total CIP.
Unauthorized bond funding represents 29.8% of the current plan. The CIP also includes $9.4 million
categorized as other revenue. This includes private donations and financing through Certificates of
Participation. One major project funded partially through Other Revenue will be the planned performing arts
center.