Another new chapter in the story of downtown Sioux City renaissance "launches" this week. Full of interactive educational exhibits, the $6.9 million LaunchPAD Children's Museum at 623 Pearl St. opens to the public on Thursday. Testament to vision, perseverance and private-public collaboration, fulfillment of this dream strengthens quality of life and breathes creative new life into unused space. Best of all, children will learn about science, technology, engineering and math within its walls. As we have said many times before in this space, we are unabashed boosters of downtown who wish to see momentum in our community's core continue. With proper, sustained focus and commitment, from both the private and public sectors, we are confident downtown will be a bustling destination for residents and visitors far into the future. Key pieces of an overall downtown strategy continue falling into place. Either completed, under way or planned, those pieces include: The Tyson Events Center, Orpheum Theatre, movie theaters, Art Center, Public Museum, Convention Center, Historic Fourth Street and Historic Pearl Street districts, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Shepherd's Garden. A variety of urban-living options represent still another magnet to downtown. A study of downtown green space nears completion. The multi-phase reconstruction of Interstate 29 through Sioux City improves downtown access and exit points. Without question, LaunchPAD contributes in significant fashion to the blueprint for downtown success. We offer our congratulations to the planners and supporters of the Children's Museum for achievement of this longheld goal. You have produced a wonderful, unique enhancement to a downtown whose best days, we believe, remain ahead. SOURCE: SIOUX CITY JOURNAL
