Scientopia Discovery Center

Scientopia Discovery Center Blog

What a difference a week makes

10/22/2008

Interestingly last week was a very low point for us here at Scientopia. We weren't sure what would happen with our building site, parking and our paperwork. After a couple of days of really thinking about our business and what's best for us as a family we decided to pick ourselves up and keep on trying. I met with people from the Building Dept, the Planning Dept, Public Works and Fire. What I discovered is the City of Napa has a lot of helpful people. Although the paperwork process is a daunting one, there's no shortage of people who are willing to spare a few minutes of their valuable time. By no means are we done, but I can honestly say there's a light at the end of the tunnel and we finally have something positive to think about and work towards. I still don't fully understand the whole process and how long it will take to navigate, but I feel good knowing that the very people who answered all our questions along the way are the ones that will steer it through. 

Parking, Parking, Parking

10/7/2008

Just when we think we have a space lined up that will work out beautifully we hit yet another snag. One called "Parking". How many people will be coming to our business? When will they come? Where will they park? All valid questions from the City. Since we've been classified as an "Assembly Use" there's some question as to how many spaces per square foot of building space we will need. Over the coming weeks or months (depending on how long and drawn out this is) we'll be plugging along trying to show that we don't need 150 spaces or anything remotely close to that. Wish us luck as we try to WADE through the mountain of paperwork!

The 2nd Annual Cajun Festival

10/4/2008

The rain came and went the morning of the Cajun Fest. By 1:00 pm when everything got started the weather was just right. A bit cloudy but otherwise quite nice. The Pulley Exhibit made it's debut and the Bernoulli returned for another visit. Both were quite popular. I think the kids liked lowering the bags of rocks almost as much as they liked pulling them up! It was also great to see parents and kids alike working on the cooperation pulley to raise the basket. Thanks to all who came out to support us! We think you had as much fun as we did!

The Container

10/3/2008

First there was the garage. Then slowly Scientopia outgrew our 2 car garage. So, we added a nice metal shed for a bit more storage. Our 3 1/2 year old daughter affectionately refers to that as Scientopia Shed. Once that was full we bought a 5 X 8 trailer to transport the exhibits around. Of course, we tend to use that for temporary storage as well. Well after 10 months of building, buying and tinkering again we were bursting at the seams. So, we rented a 20 ft ocean container and had it delivered to our driveway!! Now sometimes we get requests from our daughter to play in Scientopia Container! For someone who likes to constantly purge and simplify this has been a challenge for me to continue to accumulate more and more. In the end each piece we complete, stack and store will eventually find it's way to our permanent home, wherever that may be.

Possible Location!

10/2/2008

We are very excited because we put an offer in on a different space here in Napa, and we are anxiously awaiting the results.  We think this could FINALLY be the one.  It's in a great location with ample parking.  We hope to know something as soon, and we'll keep posted.

We'll see you all at the Cajun Fest (weather permitting -- tut tut).

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