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Science Center Awaits Support As Children's Museum Reopens

DETROIT (WWJ) - The Detroit Science Center is in desperate need of $5 million to help balance its budget and keep its operation going.

Without the money, a plan to reopen in two weeks will not be realized. If and when the museum does reopen, it will be running a "leaner operation."

That's according to center spokesman John Cleary, who said he doesn't know yet if staffing cuts will be necessary.

"We have an assumption in the plan to support financially, but I would prefer not to comment on the numbers at this time yet until we go through the final details of what that plan will look like," Cleary said.

When the Science Center shut its doors on September 26, there were 114 staff total in its trio of operations, including the Science Center itself, the shop, and the Children's Museum.

Meantime, Director of the Children's Museum Julie Johnson told WWJ Newsradio 950 there's some good news for their facility.

Although they closed when the Science Center did, the Museum resumes its regular hours on Wednesday.

Johnson said they'll be moving full speed ahead.

"We're looking forward to reopening and we wish everybody would come back down," she said. "We're also going to be honoring birthday parties, scout groups, outreach that, if you had something planned with the Science Center in the next few weeks, we'll be able to accommodate you."

Johnson said despite the Children's Museum being operated by the Science Center, they receive funding through Detroit Public Schools, PNC Bank and other sources.

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