The Children’s Museum of Tacoma is renewing Water to add more play to the family-favorite playscape. Greentrike, the nonprofit organization that powers the Museum, is partnering with Pacific Studio to revitalize Water with new materials and structures, including an Archimedes Screw and a Vortex with a clear 360-degree view. The renewed Water playscape will open for play on Saturday, July 30 at 9 a.m. for members and 10 a.m. for the general public.

Greentrike Museum Manager Maria Gaytan shared her excitement for Water’s renewal, “Water is the heart of the Children’s Museum of Tacoma, and everyone can’t wait to see the results!” Maria added, “The playscape has some really fun additions that will bring smiles and additional experimental play to children and adults.”

Since the Museum opened its doors on Pacific Avenue in 2012, Water has been the children’s go-to playscape and a social place for families to gather. At Water, children can build structures to change the flow of the water, construct imaginative stories with figures, and, of course, splash to their heart’s delight. The two latest additions help children playfully explore the mechanics of water.

Tracey Sherwood of Pacific Studio discussed the new features being installed in Water, “The Archimedes screw is based on one of the earliest machines created to move water.” Tracey added, “The vortex demonstrates the Coriolis effect and provides children with an opportunity to learn how they can alter the course of water with various shapes and manipulatives.”

As part of the renewal, Pacific Studio will be upgrading the materials used in Water’s structures. The water pool tubs will be made of stainless steel, and the panels will be constructed from sturdy fiberglass. Children will also access new shapes and objects to play with in Water. 

The summer renewal is phase one, and a more extensive renovation of Water is scheduled to take place in Fall 2022.