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Science museum seen as visitor magnet

Backers of idea say hands-on environment could help revitalize downtown Lodi

A hands-on science museum in downtown Lodi could soon be a reality, say members of a local, nonprofit organization eyeing several properties on and around Sacramento Street, including office space in the City of Lodi's parking garage.

Members of a newly formed nonprofit organization called Lodi Science Museum, Inc. are looking to house a museum modeled after San Francisco's well-known Exploratorium, which teaches science principals through hands-on exhibits.

Backers of the museum say it could bring more business to downtown Lodi and potentially revitalize an area that has struggled for years with retail occupancy and local vagrancy.

In addition to a site south of the Greyhound Station at Pine and Sacramento streets, the group has considered space in the never-occupied downtown parking garage as well as an older property across Sacramento Street, according to Sally Snyde, board president of the organization.

Dan Ingrum, a board member and downtown business owner, came up with the idea of a Lodi science museum in 2004 after a trip to the San Francisco Exploratorium.

He talked to his wife as well as fellow Rotary club members about bringing a hands-on learning environment to Lodi. The main idea, he said, is to help the community as well as local students.

And if a museum helps rejuvenate business on Sacramento Street, it would be another plus, Ingrum added.

"That's what Sacramento Street needs right now, a catalyst to get things started," Ingrum said. "It will get people on the weekends and other businesses will want to come."

While no exact location has been chosen for the site, Board President Sally Snyde said the downtown area makes a lot of sense. A Sacramento Street site would be easily accessible by car as well as Greyhound bus or train.

Patrons would also look to other downtown businesses for entertainment, shopping or eating, Snyde said.

But more than that, officials say, the museum would be a chance for area residents to invest in their community and make a difference in the lives of children.

The museum also doesn't have a name, but Snyde said the board will accept suggestions, and is putting together a contest for local students.

At the Bay Area Exploratorium, kids are allowed to take part in science experiments, peer through microscopes at living animal stem cells or witness actual dissections and watch movies on light and sound waves.

"The sciences are really important, but learning it out of a book isn't that interesting," Ingrum said.

Ingrum and other board members would like to bring the same kind of exhibits to a Lodi site and ask area students to propose and build exhibits for the museum.

But first they need to pick a location and get the museum built, a process they hope to start within the next year or two.

"It takes a long time to get these things going," Ingrum said.

Contact reporter Sara Cardine at sarac@lodinews.com.

First published: Tuesday, April 11, 2006