MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- On August 10, 2020, the Secretary of Defense instructed the Office of Economic Adjustment to invite organizations to submit grant applications and proposals based upon their ranking by the Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot Program (DCIP) Review Panel. The DCIP offers grants and supplemental funds to eliminate deficiencies in community infrastructure that support military installations and enhance quality of life for military families, resiliency or military value. Here in the City of Minot, a grant proposal was submitted and accepted. In addition to locally raised funds from various organizations and contributors, the grant funds will be used to construct the Magic City Discovery Center (MCDC). The center was one of 16 projects chosen to receive a grant from the DCIP.
The MCDC will offer a year-round learning and recreational center for all families living in the City of Minot and on Minot Air Force Base. The center will have exhibits and programs that offer high quality educational experiences in the principles of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. The programs will seek to encourage curiosity in children ranging from birth to 14 years old. Additionally, the exhibits and programs will offer the opportunity for parent involvement to enhance family life. The MCDC will offer a place where families can engage in indoor activities and stimulate young minds throughout the year even through the winter months.
"We are thrilled about the DCIP grant award and what this means for our military families and entire region." said Wendy Keller, the Executive Director of the Magic City Discovery Center.
All families coming to Minot Air Force Base, and those already residing here, experience the challenges of living in harsh climatic conditions. The severe winters make it difficult for families to enjoy the outdoors. Having the MCDC will offer a safe-haven for military families to gather and build friendships while their children learn and explore. During the colder weather, military families can grow support systems to stay strong and resilient together.
Located on North Hill in the City of Minot, the MCDC will offer a variety of exciting exhibits for all families to enjoy. The Magic Climber, a 32-foot high structure, will incorporate many different aspects of North Dakota from prairie dog burrows to an oil derrick and train trestle all building up to a wireframe B-52. An exhibit called “Air Forces” will be a place where children can explore the principles of aerodynamics and learn about the power of air and wind, highlighting the bond between the U.S. Air Force and the Minot community. Guests will also see other fun and exciting exhibits like Pattern Place, Outside My Window, Water Flow and Spark!Lab Invention Center. Children and their parents can explore aspects of mathematics, the natural world, the power of water and engage in problem solving activities to address real-world issues.
In addition to all the center will provide, military members will receive military discounts on admission and memberships. Furthermore, the MCDC will implement Military Appreciation Days to continuously offer support for families of Minot Air Force Base. Alongside the opportunities for families, the center will offer community rooms to host events for various occasions as well.
“I am truly grateful as this is another example of how the City of Minot and Minot Air Force Base continue to work together to improve the quality of life for our community and is why only “THE BEST COME NORTH!”, said Col. Walters, commander of Minot Air Force Base. “The Magic City Discovery Center will create an amazing learning environment for our children and I am excited to see the difference it will make for the Airmen and families of the installation.”
Having been approved for funding from the DCIP, the MCDC will be able to break ground and get construction underway. Construction is expected to begin in May 2021 and is scheduled to be completed by April 2022. This new addition to the Minot community will enhance quality of life and resiliency by strengthening the bond within and between military families.