The Flint Hills Discovery Center (FHDC) reopened its doors on Tuesday, June 23 to the public.
Prior to the public opening, the FHDC hosted two Member Exclusive Days to say a huge thank you to its members who have supported the Flint Hills Discovery Center during this time and over the years! They opened their doors exclusively for FHDC Members on Saturday, June 20 from 10 AM – 3 PM and Sunday, June 21 from 12 PM – 5 PM. Those wanting to become a member can sign-up the day of. They then opened their doors to the public Tuesday, June 23.
The FHDC will be operating under limited hours until further notice to allow for additional cleaning and safety measures during this time. Hours of operation will be as follows: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 AM-3:00 PM and Sunday 12:00 PM-5:00 PM. The FHDC will be closed to the public on Mondays for routine maintenance and additional cleaning.
“Our team is excited about welcoming guests into the Discovery Center and have developed intense safety plans and are prepared for a safe return,” said Susan Adams, Director of the Flint Hills Discovery Center. “Our cleaning protocols have been heightened to keep all safe who visit. We have missed everyone and look forward to seeing guests very soon.”
The first-floor permanent exhibits displaying the history and culture of the Flint Hills will remain open. The Horizon Ranch Immersive Theater will remain open with a limited capacity of 30 guests per showing. The second-floor exhibit areas will be limited to 50 guests in the children’s Prairie Playscape and our traveling exhibit, American Adventure exhibit. The outdoor Prairie Garden Terrace and Trail will remain open.
Guests can expect to find extra safety precautions throughout the FHDC to ensure guest safety and comfort. Signs are located throughout to remind guests to practice social distancing and direct guests to hand sanitizing stations located on each floor. All high-contact touch points located throughout the facility will be disinfected multiple times a day. Toys in the Prairie Playscape will be limited. At the end of each day, used toys will be replaced with clean toys to be used the next day. Used toys will then be sanitized and placed in a secure area for 24 hours to disinfect. Currently, the Underground Burrow and slide will be closed. The building will be open at 50% capacity.
FHDC staff and volunteers are required to maintain safe behavioral practices including social distancing, hand washing, hand sanitizing and it is highly recommended for staff and guests to wear face masks. The FHDC also encourages staff, volunteers and guests to stay at home if they are not feeling well.
FHDC Members who have current memberships or memberships that expired during the time of the closure will have the option to donate or extend their memberships for the time the FHDC was closed. Members will need to reach out by phone, in-person or visit flinthillsdiscovery.org/reopen to learn more about the options available.
“We want to make membership renewal fair and equitable,” said Kendra Kuhlman, Assistant Director/Development Officer of the Flint Hills Discovery Center. “We can’t wait to welcome our members back to the Discovery Center safely. We are incredibly thankful for the continued community support we’ve received.”
MK