It took two tries, but the ribbon was cut on June 28 to open the Nutrien Wonderhub children’s museum.
The cool apparatus used for the ribbon cutting wasn’t quite positioned properly for Mayor Charlie Clark and a small group of children to chop through the paper on their first attempt. It worked like a charm the second time.
permanent exhibits.
The opening brought out a large group of Saskatoon dignitaries. They clearly liked what they saw in the former Mendel Art Gallery building. It’s been a 17-year process to get from the idea of a children’s museum to the ribbon cutting, or two. Clark saluted those with the vision and persistence to get the job done. He said he learned of its importance in 2006, shortly after being elected to council.
The wet-behind-the-ears councillor received an email from a citizen, asking for his support for a children’s museum. He read the email at the opening. The writer’s wish was answered 11 years after emailing it. Unfortunately, she wasn’t on hand for the opening.
Wonderhub board chair Tammy van Lambalgen became involved four years ago, after a family visit to the Mendel Art Gallery. On that visit she saw a model of Wonderhub.
was held June 28. (Photo by Cam Hutchinson)
“I was hooked,” she said. “The next day I sent out an email, and here we are four years later.” She acknowledged the amount of work and dedication that has gone into making Wonderhub a reality. “The saying goes that it takes a community to raise a child and it certainly took a community to raise this Wonderhub. I am incredibly proud to be part of that community.”
Nutrien played a $2.5-million role in bringing the project to fruition. “This place is pretty awesome,” said Bill Cooper, Nutrien’s manager of public affairs and issues management. “I had a chance to walk through and I don’t think I am going to bring my kids; I’m just going to spend a few hours myself.”
On a serious note, he said the potash company is pleased to be part of the project. “We believe learning is at the heart of the healthy and growing community and that’s why Nutrien provided $2.5 million to support this project, and why we are so proud to attach our name to the Nutrien Wonderhub. “We are especially proud of the discovery mine as part of the Wonderhub. It is our chance to share the remarkable story of Saskatchewan’s potash resources.” The mine is one of many attractions in the discovery centre.
Eagle of the Whitecap Dakota
First Nation was among the
speakers at the opening.
The one that was the biggest conversation piece is a colourful climbing structure known as Cosmic Commotion. It left an impression on Clark, who as a father of three, has become a connoisseur of children’s museums around the country. “You climb into that thing and it’s like you are on this beautiful, colourful moonscape. It’s bizarre and incredible. Anybody who can figure out a way to squeeze into there, I really would encourage you to try it out, because it creates wonder and that’s what the Wonderhub is all about. “We can be so proud of what you have created in our city to make this possible for these kids and for the future generation.”
Wonderhub will be open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m
-Cam Hutchinson