Work for ‘Play’
Discovery Center celebrates successful preview night
The development of the Kinzua Area Discovery Center continues to unfold. One of the founding members, John Stewart is pictured here with executive director of the Kinzua Area Discovery Center, Jennifer Madigan, at the Founder’s Play Lab event. The power of hands-on learning is a central part of the center’s mission to inspire a lifelong love of learning. The center will be an immersive space where children and families can share, play, create and grow.
The evening was filled with interactive play stations for founding donors to participate in by demonstrating that an investment in play means an investment in the future workforce.
The development of the Kinzua Area Discovery Center continues to unfold. One of the founding members, John Stewart is pictured here with executive director of the Kinzua Area Discovery Center, Jennifer Madigan, at the Founder’s Play Lab event. The power of hands-on learning is a central part of the center’s mission to inspire a lifelong love of learning. The center will be an immersive space where children and families can share, play, create and grow.
The evening was filled with interactive play stations for founding donors to participate in by demonstrating that an investment in play means an investment in the future workforce.
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Community leaders, supporters and local families gathered this week for an exclusive first look at the upcoming Kinzua Area Discovery Center during The Founder's Play Lab, an interactive preview event celebrating early supporters and regional visionaries.
The evening Tuesday highlighted the power of hands-on learning, featuring interactive play stations, from wind tunnel flight testing to a heavy equipment excavation site, giving guests a direct taste of the educational experiences planned for the region's youth.
A central highlight of the night was the unveiling of the “Deep Roots, Bright Futures” Bedrock Wall, celebrating the initial 25 founding donors who have stepped up to ground the center's mission. The organization is now inviting community members and local businesses to fill the remaining 25 open slots in the “Founding 50” leadership group.
“This center is built by our county and region, for our county and region,” said Jennifer Madigan, executive director. “Growing up in a family dedicated to service, I know how vital it is that our children have a space that sparks curiosity, resilience, and joy. Seeing our community champions come together to play, connect, and invest in our kids proves how ready our region is for this space.”
Organizers extended a special note of gratitude to Timber Haven Event Center and the Stewart families for their generous sponsorship and partnership in hosting the celebration. Timber Haven provided the venue and custom food and beverage pairings for the event, ensuring a seamless and memorable night for all attendees.
“We are deeply grateful to Timber Haven Event Center for stepping up as a premier sponsor,” added Madigan. “Community partnerships like this are the bedrock of our progress, and Timber Haven’s generosity helped make the evening an absolute success.”
The momentum is building rapidly, and the Discovery Center team is turning its focus toward the next phase of development, including the planned teaching kitchen and makerspace concepts designed to foster culinary science, trade skills, and practical STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) learning.
Members of the community interested in claiming one of the remaining Founding 50 slots or learning more about upcoming volunteer and sponsorship opportunities are encouraged to visit
https://www.kinzuaareadiscoverycenter.org/founding-50-bedrock or contact Madigan via email
at jmadigan@kinzuaareadiscoverycenter.org