You might have noticed that newish building across from Smith Playground and wondered, “What is that place? What happens there?”
That place is The Discovery Center, which opened to the public in September 2018 as a nature-focused educational facility co-managed by the Philadelphia Outward Bound School and Audubon Mid-Atlantic. The goal is to make the natural space accessible and welcoming to nearby community members, as well as to provide outdoor opportunities and educational programming.
Although community events were postponed during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, The Center reopened its doors in May of this year and recently expanded hours to accommodate visitors. (Current seasonal hours are Tuesday-Friday 8am-7pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, and Sunday 12pm-5pm).
Recent free events at The Discovery Center include Canoe Days on the reservoir, with Outward Bound staff providing canoes, supplies and instruction for local residents to get out on the water. Over 200 community members participated over the summer, with many saying it was their first time canoeing. The Center also hosted Afrovibes Community Dance classes, a meteor shower stargazing event, and many bird walks and nature hikes led by Audubon staff.
Events on Saturday, October 2 (all of which are free) include zip-lining along the reservoir, bird walks led by local ornithologists, and Fairmount Water Works River Days, which will celebrate the Schuylkill River and pay tribute to native culture and traditions with a performance by Lenape members and hands-on activities for families throughout the day.
Along with the Philadelphia Outward Bound School and Audubon Mid-Atlantic, the Board of Trustees that oversees The Discovery Center includes local community members Tonnetta Graham, Larry Lane, and Nicole Holmes. The Discovery Center Community Engagement Committee meets regularly to provide ideas and feedback for programming. If you would like to get involved, please email info@discoveryphila.org.
For more information on The Discovery Center and other upcoming events, please visit www.discoveryphila.org or call 610-990-3431.
