The Terre Haute Children’s Museum (THCM) received READI funds totaling $48,500 – coupled with a $145,500 match for museum expansions. The THCM is a nonprofit providing learning, fun and exploration in the heart of the Wabash Valley. But the fun halted in 2020 when COVID-19 caused the museum to shut down. Once things began to return to normal across the globe, the THCM realized that its lack of an outdoor space was a major downfall of the facility.

During the closure, the museum had to utilize other outdoor space like the city and county parks to provide a place to host programming. It was then decided that an outdoor space physically connected to the museum in downtown Terre Haute would be a significant benefit to the community.

 

The funding has brought a feasibility study to life, which helped determine the scope of an outdoor play area for kids, complete with climbing walls and other playground equipment. There will also be permanent seating where families can come hang out. In addition to being a great place for kids to be active outdoors, the space will also encourage everyone to spend more time in the area. "This would help them spend a little bit more time at the children's museum, which means that they're spending a little bit more time in downtown Terre Haute, which will ultimately help local businesses and restaurants," Executive Director Susan Turner said to local news WTHI.