JBLM opens first Children’s Museum on DOD installation

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. –  The Children’s Museum at Joint Base Lewis-McChord opened its doors to the JBLM community during a ribbon cutting ceremony April 24.

Located next to the JBLM splash park, skate park and bowling alley, the Children’s Museum at JBLM is the first of its kind on a military installation.

“We’re honored to be here today to open the first-of-its-kind children’s museum right here on Joint Base Lewis-McChord,” said Lt. Gen. Randy George, I Corps commanding general. “This facility is the result of so many years of hard work and is a big 'thank you' to all the moms and dads out there. There’s no better place on JBLM to bring kids to explore, play and learn but also connect as a community than right here at the children’s museum.”

The opening of the museum is the result of more than seven years of planning, design and partnership between JBLM, community leaders and Greentrike, whose programs include the Children’s Museum of Tacoma, Play to Learn Pierce County and the JBLM Child and Youth Programs.

“As every parent understands, entertaining and educating children is no small task,” said Col. Skye Duncan, JBLM Garrison commander. “I can’t think of a better way to meet that need than to open the first on-base children’s museum in the Department of Defense at JBLM.”

The museum features multiple playscapes, including a water area, an art studio, a climbing area and much more. All of the playscapes and activities in the museum are designed with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, art and math for children ages 12 and younger.

“We are so excited to come alongside our longtime partners and make this museum a joyful, playful place for families living on Joint Base Lewis-McChord,” said Tanya Durand, Greentrike executive director. “It's our honor, our privilege and the least we could do to provide a simple yet powerful little thing like play to the men, women and their children who volunteer to guard our freedoms.”

The Children’s Museum at JBLM was made possible in partnership with Boeing, Bamford Foundation, Norcliffe Foundation, Institute of Museum and Library Services and the JBLM Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

“To see the services and amenities offered for the families and the kids who are here is nothing less than spectacular,” said Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland, U.S. Representative from Washington's 10th congressional district. “As the largest military installation on the west coast and one of the most well-regarded military bases in the world, we all know that JBLM boasts not only a reputation of excellence but also incredible people power. It's incredible to see the partnership, talent and ingenuity to make something like this possible and create a prime example for other installations to follow.”

To use the Children’s Museum at JBLM, registration in advance is required. Admission to the museum does not include base access. Visit https://playtacoma.org/playjblm for information on registering.

For more joint base stories, visit JBLM News online.