Kidzu, Chapel Hill Exploring Possibility of New Facility in Southern Village

Kidzu Children’s Museum has seen continuing growth through several locations over the 12 years it has operated in Chapel Hill. Now, the operation is looking to expand on town-owned property in Southern Village.

“Kidzu became part of the fabric of our community,” chair of the Kidzu Board of Trustees Melissa Cain told the Town Council at a meeting in early March. “Because of this, Kidzu is at home in Chapel Hill – a place known for its focus on family and on education, particularly early childhood education.”

The town honored Kidzu with a proclamation at a celebration for its tenth anniversary. Executive director Lisa Van Deman read a portion of that proclamation back to the council.

“Children’s museums build creative, compassionate and innovative communities by engaging children and their adults in the joy of exploration and discovery,” Van Deman read.

While Cain said that the museum had tremendous potential, she emphasized the need to expand its offerings to the community.

“To achieve that goal, Kidzu must expand and have both indoor and outdoor exhibits,” Cain said. “This is a big task, but the time is right and the time is now.”

Kidzu board member Al Leach told the council that children’s museums are the fastest-growing segment of museums in the country.

“Children’s museums have enabled young children to adopt learning skills through creative play, which compliments textbook learning they learn and receive in school,” Leach said. “Many schools have cut such activities, and children’s museums fill that need.”

Amid this growth, Kidzu has quickly gone through several locations in recent years. After starting on West Franklin Street, Kidzu contemplated a move to Carrboro during the early discussions over the possible development of a Carrboro Arts and Innovation Center. The museum has been operating at its current location in University Place since the spring of 2015.

Leach detailed the economic impact estimated to be brought in by Kidzu with a potential move to Southern Village.

“Kidzu, at the Southern Village location, can bring in $2.7 million in in-county residents, $1 million from out-of-county visitors, generate 56 full-time jobs, $44,000 in local-government revenue and $67,000 in state revenue.”

Mayor Pro Tem Jess Anderson said she was enthusiastic about the future of the museum.

“And I’m really excited that there’s a potential to have a really, really amazing children’s museum here that can support all the other things we’re trying to do in town around economic development and serving families – and serving all families,” Anderson said.

The council voted unanimously to receive and refer the petition to town staff.

Kidzu, Chapel Hill Exploring Possibility of New Facility in Southern Village

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