City of Weatherford

PROJECT PURPOSE

The City of Weatherford Oklahoma owns and operates the Stafford Air & Space Museum. During the Pandemic the museum was hit hard by loss of visitors and revenue because of the museum closing and no one traveling. The museum is located just off of interstate 40 and historic route 66. To minimize the economic impact of potential future closures and enhance the museum Board members and city officials are looking at adding an outside interaction/inclusion museum. This area would consist of an inclusive type of museum and playground equipment. Making it possible for people traveling on route 66 or I-40 to stop at this outdoor facility even if the indoor museum is closed. Many families travel from all over the world and have a hard time finding an outside museum and rest stop that meets the needs for any person or child. This rest stop would feature: Walking Trail, Bathroom, Pavilion, Playground, Outside Museum, Splash Pad and Miniature golf.

EVIDENCE

The Tom Stafford Air and Space Museum has data from attendance to the museum. The data and reports that are collected showed estimated attendance at the museum was down 45-60% from January 2020 through May of 2021. Meaningful peer relationships are just as necessary for children with disabilities, who often lack the opportunity or encouragement of peer interactions within everyday settings (Cheung, 1989; Locke. Ishijima, Kasari, & London, 2010).The need for a nice rest stop on Route 66 that will be an inclusive play and STEM outside museum would make a huge impact on children and families around the world.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

During the Pandemic the museum was hit hard by loss of visitors and revenue because of the museum closing and no one traveling. Based on conservative estimates attendance at the museum was down 45-60% from January 2020 through May of 2021. Consequently, revenues at the museum were estimated to be down $100,000-$150,000 during this time, the economic loss was around $1,300,000. Twenty-four thousand vehicles travel on 1-40 and Route 66. This combined traffic presents an enormous audience of potential visitors for the museum. To minimize the economic impact of potential future closures and enhance the museum Board members and city officials are looking at adding an outside interaction/inclusion museum. This area would consist of an inclusive type of museum and playground equipment. Making it possible for people traveling on route 66 or I-40 to stop at this outdoor facility even if the indoor museum is closed. The need for an inclusive playground is in high need for communities and families around the world. 6.7 million school-age children have disabilities, 74% of parents believe it is important for their children to be able to play with others. There are few of these types of playgrounds in Oklahoma and on Route 66.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

This investment will have a positive outcome because it will be an example of how the state and the City of Weatherford joined together to use resources to meet the needs for all individuals in the STEM education through inclusive play. This project will bring travelers all over the world because of the location on Route 66 putting the state on the map. ? It will reach the needs of all families around the world. ? Number of citizens served through an inclusive playground in the State. ? Increase of Oklahomans served through a STEM education in inclusive play by growing this workforce.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma