In a series of three expansion phases, the South Florida Science Center & Aquarium, located in the city of West Palm Beach's Dreher Park, is undergoing a major revitalization to their original facility. The total cost is estimated to be between $2.4 and $3 million and the enhancements aim to make the museum more enjoyable by incorporating a swath of interactive science orientated areas, new playgrounds, a splash pad, 25 new hands-on science exhibits, an 18-hole mini-golf course and future plans to connect to the adjacent zoo. As of the publishing of this article, phase 1 and 2 of the project are complete.

Jon E. Schmidt & Associates, the primary landscape architecture firm for the development, obtained approval of the Class B Special Use Permit for the expansion, and coordinated the approval of the $2,400,000 Inter-local Funding Agreement between Palm Beach county, the city of West Palm Beach and the South Florida Science Museum under the Recreation and Cultural Facilities Bond.

Part of Jon Schmidt's work thus far has included designing and facilitating 11,000 gross square feet of overall site improvements for an expansion to the existing museum and construction of approximately 3,000 gross square feet of permanent exhibit space.

Mr. Schmidt stated that facilitating open lines of communication for the client, with the Palm Beach Zoo, the Mayor's office and Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation department, was key to the master plan.

"There are a lot of jurisdictional agencies that have to sign off on these projects. It is a lot to solve and a collaborative effort by all the professionals to bring this together," Schmidt said.

The final $750,000 phase will include the "Physics Forest," which is a circular interactive learning environment, a splash pad, expanded outdoor seating with a full service concession stand and an outdoor amphitheater. In the end, the long-term goal is to connect the science center with the neighboring Palm Beach Zoo by utilization of a science themed trail.

Challenges Faced

One of the challenges in the design was the low-lying aspect of the site, which, in Florida, is definitely a problem.

"That area was prone to seasonal flooding, so the entire site had to be brought up a couple feet," relates Schmidt. "We also implemented some storm chambers to handle those drainage challenges."

Because this was such a massive undertaking, many firms had to be consulted and communicated with, and copious laws and regulations had to be adhered to. Site visits were facilitated to verify that work was completed and to foster a close coordination with the museum's accounting staff and the Palm Beach City Parks & Rec's accounting requirements and procedures.

To ensure total communication between all parties, Schmidt Nichols processed and tracked all the contracts, change orders, purchase orders and check requests for all sub-consultants, as well as the general contractor's pay applications and bank disbursement requests. In addition, South Florida Science Center loan disbursement requests were processed, tracked, deposited, and disbursed.

"It really was a lot of groups coming together and the work of many professionals to make this a great project," said Schmidt.

The Spirit Behind the Design

While all of the new features of the science center may just seem like fun for children, there is a deeper methodology behind their installments. Everything within the center revolves around science.

For instance, the pathways that link areas within the site mimic the rings around Saturn. Also, an outdoor science walkway will connect 15 new exhibits and eventually connect to the neighboring zoo, providing a walkway to more knowledge.

"This big path, while it looks like a continuing sphere, is also used for maintenance. So, not only does it have to be designed well, but it also has to be maintained in a cost effective manner," Schmidt says.
Another way the design focused on science is with the inclusion of new zones and activities like the "Physics Forest," which is a circular, physics-themed interactive play area, a human sundial and the dinosaur walk.

Schmidt concludes the interview by reaffirming that the spirit behind the design was really what was the driving factor for the entire project.

"The inspiration behind our second phase, after the installation of the mini golf course, was to have the new elements mimic the scientific items found within the science center."