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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
When you talk about destination experiences in Utah, Thanksgiving Point is one of the rising stars in popularity. This expanding facility has museums, theatres, shopping, a world-class golf course and the beautiful Thanksgiving Point Gardens.
The big news at Thanksgiving Point is the opening of the brand new Museum of Natural Curiosity. This 45,000 square foot facility is designed to be a family science center with over 450 interactive displays on everything from the rainforest to waterworks. There's also Kidoplis, which highlights kids' art and creativity. Visitors to the Archimedes playground will learn about engineering and basic machines.
Thanksgiving Point President and CEO Mike Washburn says all the test groups who toured the new museum have loved it, so he is anticipating the public's excitement for the museum, which opened May 15. It cost a total of $29 million with most donations being raised in a tough economic climate, which speaks of the strong support for the project.
Mike says the membership program at Thanksgiving Point has exploded, especially with events like the Tulip Festival earlier this month. This year marked the 10th anniversary of the Tulip Festival where visitors can see close to 500,000 flowering bulbs while walking through the beautiful Thanksgiving Point Gardens. The event attracted approximately 75,000 people, and it grows every year.
Thanksgiving Point also has robust educational programs for students and teachers. Hands-on discovery is delivered through innovative educational courses, day camps and field trips. Mike says they've probably hosted around 70,000 Utah school children in 2014. These educational offerings are for every age group, from toddlers to adults. Some of the most well-known programs include the Tulips Journey North, where school kids statewide can plant and grow tulips in their school yard. There's also the popular Junior Master Gardner Program.
A non-profit organization, Mike says Thanksgiving Point continues to grow with around 400 employees. Last year they crossed the 2 million visitor mark, and he anticipates total visitors will be even higher this year.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
Thanksgiving Point 3003 N. Thanksgiving Way Lehi, Utah 84043 801-364-1851 www.thanksgivingpoint.org
