Thanks to generous donors, a new Science Playground is slated to open on July 1, 2023 on the northwest lawn of the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center. The Center broke ground on the playground on May 8, and erected the playground centerpiece, a 35′ tall space shuttle slide, on June 4 and 5. The Center’s shuttle slide, created by Miracle Recreation, is one of only five in the world. Outdoor musical playground equipment that will enable children and families to explore the physics and mathematics of sound are in transit, arriving by mid-June. Fencing, gardens and playground amenities will be installed in advance of the July 1 opening.

Designed for children ages 0-12 and their families, the Discovery Center’s new Science Playground will enable children to learn through play, exploring science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in the great outdoors. In Summer 2023, the Playground will open with a variety of engaging science experiences for children and families. Over the course of the fall and winter, the Discovery Center plans to partner with area high school and college students and community volunteers on the design and construction of additional STEM Stations to add to what is planned to be a constantly evolving Science Playground, in Summer 2024.

Visitors to the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center will be able to access the new Science Playground at no additional charge beyond the Center’s general admission fee. The Discovery Center is deeply grateful to Dr. Toni Galvin, Northeast Delta Dental, and other generous current and future donors who make this playground and its future augmentations possible.

Dedicated to NH Space Pioneers Christa McAuliffe and Alan Shepard, the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center features 21st century interactive exhibits on aviation, astronomy, Earth and space science, a full-dome, all-digital planetarium and a variety of science, technology, and engineering and mathematics programs. The engaging, robust educational programs are geared towards families, teens, seniors, students, community groups and lifelong learners. For more information, visit www.starhop.com

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