Streeterville, Naperville and Glenview have something in common: They each tout a children’s museum within their boundaries. North Lawndale looks to join that club by 2026 with the construction of at 3140 W. Ogden Ave.
When complete, the location will have 15,000 square feet of hands-on interactive exhibits and play areas that will feature spaces centered on art; an area solely for infants and toddlers; a space focused on literacy; a science, technology, engineering, arts and math space; and an additional 12,000 square feet of outdoor recreation and green space. Educational, recreational, cultural and arts programming will engage children from infancy to 8 years old through a number of interactive exhibits designed with and by the community, said museum founder and alumna Leslie Bond. “There are many great museums but there is something to be said when it’s in your community and you can just walk there and take advantage of it,” Bond said.
“This is just another effort to say these communities have not had the resources that others have had and their children deserve the same great chance. To have a place you can get to easily and be able to have all that at your doorstep, we hope will make a big difference in kids.” Bond said work on the Discovery Center began in 2020, but it has faced many delays.
Now, a prototype of the center’s literacy exhibit will be showcased at the at Central Park Avenue and Douglas Boulevard through the month of June. Bond said the Poetr.
