This weekend will close the door on the play space known as ‘One Keepers Place’ at the Smoky Hill Museum.

“A lot of people have played and learned over the past 25 years,” said Museum Executive Director Susan Hawksworth during the KSAL Morning News Thursday.

After this weekend ‘One Keepers Place’ will be closed and re-invented with new technology for a new generation.

Hawksworth added that over the years the space has had some fresh ideas added in but construction is now scheduled for an entire makeover.

“We need a whole new focus,” she said.

With an estimated cost of $472,980, construction of the “Curiosity Shop” will begin in April upon the City Commission’s  approval of the contract with Harbin Construction of Salina.

When finished, “The Curiosity Shop” will boast over 20 interactive activities that will be spread across five distinct spaces.

The project is expected to be completed this Fall.

“There will be some big heavy drapes in place to control dust and we will close off a portion of the gallery,” Hawksworth said.

Renovations will not only expand the existing space by utilizing a back room but a loft with a wheelchair lift will also be added.

During the renovation the galleries and store will remain open as will the exhibit that takes a look at the 60’s generation: The 1960s Part II: Power to the People.

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