Surrey, BC – Surrey Museum debuted its newest exhibit at a grand opening event on Saturday: phase one of an interactive Kids’ Gallery developed around the theme of sustainability.
The new gallery is designed to help children learn about challenging concepts like climate change, carbon footprint and energy conservation.
“Sustainability considerations and how our choices today will affect our community tomorrow underlies every decision we make as a City,” said City of Surrey Mayor, Linda Hepner.
“Adding a sustainability-themed Kids’ Gallery to our Museum will engage children and youth in this important conversation, and help promote an awareness of stewardship into their everyday life.”
“The Kid’s Gallery at the Surrey Museum is a prime example of the priority the City places on our young people,” Councillor Judy Villeneuve, Chair of Chair of the Culture Development Advisory Committee.
“This brand new interactive gallery will invite children to take an active role when learning about Surrey’s heritage and how our City is moving forward by planning for a sustainable future.”
Among its features, the gallery includes a tree fort for climbing, safe experiments with electricity and an energy bike.
The gallery was developed by the Surrey Museum staff through consultation with children’s museums in the Seattle area, Telus World of Science, and the BC school curriculum. Partnerships in its development include City of Surrey’s Sustainability Office, BC Hydro, Fortis, and Surrey-based wind turbine producer, Endurance Windpower.
The gallery will be refreshed through Fall 2016 with changing themes of energy, water and agriculture. Future expansion of the Museum, expected in 2017, will see this Kids Gallery triple in size. For more information visit www.surrey.ca/heritage.