The Future of Science Central

With the recent announcement of the Clinton Street closure in 2010, is the future of Science Central in doubt? Not according to museum President Martin Fisher…

Despite having the transportation artery cut just south of Science Central, museum President Martin Fisher said Wednesday that he isn’t too concerned about the project as long as people have access to the science museum.

“As long as they can still get into our parking lot and out of our parking lot, I don’t think it would impact us,” he said.

Fisher said he had not been aware of the project because he has been at Science Central only for a few months. Because it is a destination, he said, the museum shouldn’t lose much attendance from normal traffic not driving past.”

Although Harrison Square promises new development, the results may not be visable for 2-3 years.  Like the recently announced Lincoln Museum closure in June, 2008, losing Science Central would leave a cultural hole. Downtown Fort Wayne can ill-afford to lose another destination attraction. 

In my opinion, Science Central struggles from orphaned-child syndrome.  It stands alone as the sole attraction, a destination island, on the north side of the St. Mary’s River. Will decreased access prove to be the death knell for this important Fort Wayne landmark?

My children love this science museum. Although we only visit 1-2 times per year, it remains a family experience we all enjoy. Traveling through Chicago to Wisconsin Dells several years ago, my wife and I treated the kids with a visit to the Museum of Science and Industry. They were bored. This great Chicago museum offered little that our children had not already experienced in their own hometown. Best of all, our Science Central membership included free general admission to more than 250 participating museums, including MS & I (although we still paid $12.00 to park!).

If you haven’t been to Science Central lately, take the time to show your support. Grab your friends, bring the kids, and reexperience this Fort Wayne landmark. If you’re planning a trip to Chicago, purchase a Science Central membership first.  Keep your hard earned dollars in Fort Wayne and get free general admission to the Museum of Science & Industry and Chicago’s Field Museum. Considering MS&I’s admission rates ($13 per adult & $9 per child aged 3-11) and the Field Museum’s rates ($14 per adult & $9 per child aged 4-11), larger families can save a ton! Although, I can’t promise that your own children won’t be bored in those Chicago museums.

See also: Science Central video (1995)  Photos by Stephen L. Parker

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MLK Bridge project moves forward

The Journal Gazette reported today that the Board of Public Works approved the $8.1 million Martin Luther King Bridge replacement deal

[…] The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge was scheduled to be replaced by the state, and the city agreed to partner with the state transportation department to make it more than a simple concrete span.

“This is a rather unique project,” City Engineer David Ross said. “It is a gateway for entry to our downtown area. It does have a lot of significance.”

The city completed three public workshops to allow residents to help select the style for the new bridge. An arched, truss-style bridge with pedestrian/bike trails on both sides was chosen. Final design details will be determined as the project progresses.

The approved contract sets a timeline and budget for the project. The state will pay $6.2 million, while the city is responsible for $1.9 million. Ross said the city hopes construction can begin in 2010 and the work would be completed in 2011, the last year of Henry’s current term.

Other than serving as an aesthetic entrance to Fort Wayne, the project will reduce maintenance costs for the state and coincide with the state’s plan to improve Clinton north of the bridge in the future. The bridge was built in 1967 and rehabilitated in 1985. Its sufficiency rating is 64.6 out of 100. The city said this is a concern but that there is no immediate threat to public safety.

If not included in the design already, it would seem prudent to construct the support structures to allow the free flow of natural debris.  The waterway beneath the existing bridge appears clogged more often than not, making it unnavigable for boaters and river enthusiasts.  Since the report specifically refers to the design as an “arched, truss-style bridge” this seems to indicate that few (if any) river-anchored columns will be present. Problem solved.

Of course this begs the question, “Where will the debris flow if it travels unencumbered by the new bridge?”

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