HomeMy WebLinkAbout06. CMSSLC - Status Report - 2011
AGENDA MEMO
DATE:January 25, 2011
TO:Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM:Office of the City Manager
By: Scott K. Pomrehn, Executive Director
SUBJECT: Columbia Memorial Space Science Learning Center
Status Report
RECOMMENDATION
Receive and file report on update of Columbia Memorial Space Science Learning Center
(CMSSLC).
BACKGROUND
The CMSSLC, which opened in October 2009, has just concluded its first full year of
operation. The center hosted several special events in 2010 and began selling annual
memberships in August of last year as part of the ribbon cutting event for the Challenger
Center for Space Science Education. In addition to the reservation and membership
computer system, the City Council authorized several other projects in 2010 including
nd
construction of a nine screen media wall, upgrades to the 2 floor theater, and the
purchase and installation of a twelve station computer lab.
In addition to the events and physical improvements to the center in 2010, staff has been
working hard to market the center at outreach events, on social media networks, and
through local print media. The following discussion will provide statistics for 2010 and
general focus areas for 2011. Based on these general focus areas, a more detailed goals
and objectives report will be completed in February 2011.
DISCUSSION
Statistics
Although 2010 started slow, with the addition of field trips in March, the center reached a
peek of 2,103 visitors in August. This peek was followed by a sharp drop in attendance in
September due to the beginning of the academic school year when field trips are less
common. The graph below shows the total attendance for 2010, which totaled 14,431.
2010 Attendence
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC
CITY OF DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA
CMSSLC – Status Report
January 25, 2011
Page 2 of 4
As the main attraction within the CMSSLC, the Challenger Center for Space Science
Education (CLC) hosted 22 missions in 2010. This number will increase in 2011 with the
th
establishment of a scholarship program to allow every 5 grade class within the Downey
Unified School District (DUSD) to experience the “Return to the Moon” mission. In addition
to the 52 missions anticipated as part of the scholarship program, staff has already
scheduled 20 missions in the first three months of 2011.
2010 CLC Missions
10
8
6
4
2
0
JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC
Field trips have become weekly occurrences at the center with 103 groups of ten or more
individuals visiting the center in 2010. As of January 18, 2011, 25 field trips have been
booked for 2011.
2010 Field Trips
20
15
10
5
0
JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC
Much like field trips, special events have become weekly events with 60 groups hosting
events at the center in 2010. To date, staff has booked 20 events for 2011.
2010 Special Events
15
10
5
0
JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC
CMSSLC – Status Report
January 25, 2011
Page 3 of 4
One of the key activities staff engages in to promote the center is participation at both
industry and youth group conferences and workshops. Staff was present at 30 such events
in 2010 and to date has scheduled 7 outreach events in 2011.
2010 Outreach Events
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC
The gift shop has the potential to raise substantial revenue for the center. Staff continues to
research products in an effort to maximize the limited space yet still provide a wide range of
both educational and memorabilia related items.
2010 Gift Shop Profits
$1,400.00
$1,200.00
$1,000.00
$800.00
$600.00
$400.00
$200.00
$0.00
JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC
As shown on the previous charts, 2010 ended much better than it began. Staff is confident
2011 will see increased numbers in all categories. As mentioned earlier, a more
comprehensive priorities and goals report will include projected numbers for 2011.
CMSSLC – Status Report
January 25, 2011
Page 4 of 4
Focus Areas
Having concluded our first full year of operations, staff has begun work on setting priorities
and goals for 2011. Below is a list of the top focus areas in the categories of programs,
exhibits, events, marketing, and fundraising. These focus areas will be expanded upon in a
more detailed priorities and goals document to be presented to the Council in February
2011.
Programs
Challenger Center for Space Science Education (additional missions)
Robotics Lab (to include competitive teams representing the CMSSLC)
After School Programs and Clubs
Exhibits
Shuttle mock-up and related shuttle components
Apollo Boilerplates
Lunar Lander Simulator
Events
Shuttle/ISS Downlink during final shuttle mission STS-134
Shuttle Launch Parties for STS-133, STS-134, and possible STS-106?
NASA / JPL Teacher Professional Development Workshops
Astronomy Nights
Marketing
Direct outreach to school districts in LA and surrounding counties
Direct outreach to seniors, after school programs, home school networks, and scout troops
General outreach to general public through social and print media
Fundraising
Develop guidelines for donations, sponsorships, and scholarship programs
Seek partnerships with civic groups, businesses, and government agencies
Seek grant funding for operations, exhibits, and new programming
FISCAL IMPACT
None.