By KSN Chief Meteorologist Dave Freeman

A Letter to the Sedgwick County Commissioners

On August 31, 2005, the Sedgwick County Commissioners voted to enter into a four year partnership with Exploration Place that includes funding to ensure a stable foundation for growth.

This letter was provided to the Commissioners along with many others expressing support for this proposal. KSN commends the Sedgwick County Commission for its support of Exploration Place!

August 11, 2005

Sedgwick County Board of Commissioners
525 N. Main, #320
Wichita, KS 67203

Dear Commissioners,

I am writing on behalf of KSNW TV to urge you to take immediate and sustained action to ensure the long-term success and viability of Exploration Place. This marvelous facility, with its staff of dedicated professionals and volunteers, makes a significant contribution to the quality of life for Sedgwick County children and their families.

Some might well say that the only reason we believe this is because we are here; the KSN WeatherLab @ Exploration Place is, after all, an integral part of the experience.

To this I must reply that the opposite is true. We don’t support Exploration Place because we are here -- we are here because we believe in Exploration Place! KSNW TV wholeheartedly supports its mission to offer children and families a wholesome, safe, imaginative and creative learning environment! This is why we committed our resources to this effort long before the first child crossed the threshold.

There is no question that Exploration Place gets kids excited about learning, and especially about the sciences. As participants in the process, we daily see the thrill that a child feels when she or he learns something new. Whether it is mastering the rudiments of flight, understanding the power of water to change the landscape, gazing into the mysteries of space, or overcoming a fear of storms, Exploration Place is making a powerful difference for Sedgwick County families.

Are there challenges to be overcome? Of course. You can’t have a world-class facility in a medium size metropolitan area without community support and creative, savvy leadership. I hope that you will help show the State of Kansas that here in Sedgwick County, we have both.

Sincerely,

Dave Freeman
KSN Chief Meteorologist
weatherlab@ksn.com