(VESTAL, NY) Broome County Executive Jason Garnar and Broome County Legislative Chairman Daniel J. Reynolds announced Friday the Kopernik Science Park will soon be completed thanks to funding from Broome County.
In partnership with the Junior League of Binghamton, the Kopernik Observatory & Science Center and Observatory, located in Vestal, is building a free, outdoor STEM-themed playground and learning facility. The park will feature play-based learning with structures, telescopes, and activities providing STEM-learning experiences to the estimated 40,000 students in K-12 in Broome and Tioga counties.
“This park will be a great space for children in our community and an awesome way for them to learn,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “Thank you to the Junior League of Binghamton and Kopernik for their hard work on this project and I am glad Broome County was able to play a small part in helping bring this park to life.”
“For over 40 years, the Kopernik Observatory & Science Center has been a source of knowledge, education and entertainment for people of all ages in Broome County and the entire Northeast,” said Chairman Daniel Reynolds. “This STEM themed park will be a one of a kind attraction that will promote local tourism and create the educational opportunities that our children need and deserve.”
The Junior League and Kopernik raised more than $700,000 toward the park construction. This final funding from Broome County will help complete the project.
“Kopernik is deeply indebted to the Junior League, Broome County Executive Jason Garnar, the Broome County Legislature, local and national foundations, corporations and private individuals who saw the importance of the Kopernik Science Park and helped to make it a reality,” said Drew Deskur, the Director of Kopernik Observatory & Science Center. “It will be wonderful resource for the community and hopefully inspire those who play there to see how science and engineering are part of everyday life and to consider a career in science and engineering.”
This is just one of many projects in the community that Broome County has secured funding for thanks to the over $3.1 million in first year matching funds from New York State as part of the County Wide Shared Services Initiative.
