Sponsor signs on as new details are announced for Pavilion’s immersive water experience

The Sanford Underground Research Facility has signed on to sponsor the new immersive water exhibit at the Washington Pavilion, which will include lots of colorful, interactive features.

SURF is managed by the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority and has an agreement with the Pavilion valued at $80,000 over five years, which includes funding to offer a day of free admission to the Kirby Science Discovery Center and Visual Arts Center after the exhibit opens in early July.

“We are so grateful for the Sanford Underground Research Facility’s investment in the Kirby Science Discovery Center and excited to see children using this fun space later this summer,” said Kerri DeGraff, chief operating officer with Washington Pavilion Management Inc. “This exhibit will be unique to our museum and offer both hands-on learning and full-on joy to those who come here.”

The new water exhibit is under construction in the former “Room to Grow” space on the second floor.

It’s designed to help children learn about the phases of water through fog pipes, fog mushrooms and rain clouds.

They also will explore how water moves through aqueducts, conveyors, faucets, river channels, squirt guns, whirlpools, fountains and more, all while having fun.

The Sanford Underground Research Facility is sponsoring the exhibit in addition to partnering with the Washington Pavilion on programming opportunities.

As America’s deepest underground science laboratory, SURF has a mission to support the advancement of world-class science and inspire learning across generations. That includes developing unique K-12 outreach programs for future scientists.

“The Sanford Underground Research Facility is proud to have a new partnership with the Washington Pavilion — one of South Dakota’s premier science education and outreach centers. We look forward to the opportunity to share the excitement of the Sanford Underground Research Facility with our neighbors in eastern South Dakota,” said Mike Headley, executive director of the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority and laboratory director of SURF.