PHOTO: Courtesy of WLUK
MENASHA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Barlow Planetarium says it’s one step closer to reopening.
The planetarium, located on the now-closed UWO Fox Cities campus in Menasha, closed for the month of June as Winnebago County assumes ownership of the campus.
On Tuesday, the Winnebago County board approved the resolution to fund the campus for the rest of the fiscal year.
The Barlow Planetarium says this means it can reopen soon. It is hopeful for July and promises to post the reopening date as soon as it is finalized.
On June 30, Winnebago County will assume ownership of the campus, which shut down at the end of this school year due to declining enrollment.
The property includes the Barlow Planetarium, Weis Earth Science Museum, Communication Arts Center theatre and gallery, a branch campus building for UW-Platteville, the University Children’s Center, a community garden, a fieldhouse, an art studio, a library and an array of offices.
So far, the Weis’ collection is relocating to the History Museum at the Castle in Appleton and the Menasha Joint School District is close to a deal to lease the on-campus childcare center from Winnebago County.
A community meeting is set next week for residents and organizations to share their input regarding the future of the site and potential ways to reinvigorate, repurpose and/or redevelop the buildings and outdoor spaces.
Meeting details are as follows:
- Wednesday, June 25, 5:30-7 p.m.
- United Way Fox Cities (1455 Midway Road, Menasha)
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