Local
Mecklenburg parks officials warn Nature Museum takeover could cost up to $10 million a year
The county’s Park and Recreation Department opposes running Discovery Place’s new Charlotte Museum of Nature, estimating annual operating costs could reach $8 million to $10 million. County commissioners are weighing their options as Discovery Place faces an Oct. 27 deadline to repay $14.6 million in construction costs.
Mecklenburg County’s Park and Recreation Department does not support taking over operations of the new Charlotte Museum of Nature, saying the facility could cost $8 million to $10 million a year to run.
Department officials shared that estimate at a Monday park commission meeting. The museum, operated by the nonprofit Discovery Place, is next to Freedom Park on the site of the former museum.
The discussion comes as Discovery Place faces an Oct. 27 deadline to repay Mecklenburg County $14.6 million for the museum’s construction. County commissioners are considering their options, including declaring Discovery Place in default of its agreement. That could allow the county to take over building operations.
Discovery Place has said it plans to initially house two otters at the museum. The animals are being cared for off-site while the county’s decision is pending.