A long-time dream of building a new museum in Forsythe Park is underway and becoming a reality for the Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum.
Museum officials and the City of Monroe will host an unveiling ceremony for the new site on the east end of the old city swimming pool campus on Wednesday, March 8 at 3:30 p.m.
“We are more than excited to unveil our Future Home sign and dedicate part of the former swimming pool area for our new museum,” said Emma Loyless, Children’s Museum Board President. “Our Children’s Museum has touched the lives of thousands of children and families in more than 17 parishes for the past 25 years. We see our move to the park and a new building to be a key milestone in our history and for our future.”
According to Museum Director Melissa Saye, the recent demolition and filling in of the old pool has piqued the interest of many Ouachita Parish residents. “Nostalgia for the pool at Forsythe Park is a part of why making new memories at the future museum makes this move a win-win. The City of Monroe will lease a portion of the pool area to us and will preserve and renovate the old natatorium building for other uses,” Saye said.
Forsythe Park is one of three city parks selected for major upgrades and beautification, said Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis. “The improvements that will be done to Forsythe, Charles Johnson and Chennault Parks will make them even more attractive and useful for the public. The new Children’s Museum will become a key attraction for Forsythe and accessible and convenient for all,” he said.
Fundraising for the new educational anchor is a key focus in the upcoming months. Development Director Dawn Landry said “Our children are our most precious commodity and through local support, we have the opportunity to provide a quality educational experience in a new space that will impact visitors for years to come. We are currently in the final stages of the interior and exterior design of the new modern and spacious museum. This facility is going to be such a source of pride for our community.” Opportunities to donate to the museum can be found at nelcm.org.