news-record.com

Bring it on, Natural Science Center Director Glenn Dobrogosz would say to skeptics while campaigning for $20 million in bonds to fund major expansions. He was still saying that Tuesday night.

Even though voters had said yes with  a solid 61 percent of the ballots cast, according to unofficial results, Dobrogosz still was out to convert the doubters.

“I just want to say those people that did not support it that I want to do them proud,” he said. “We plan to honor that lack of support with hard work and economic development.”

It was a lot to ask in this economy and with city voters already obligated to pay off previous bond bills. But the facility has traditionally fared well at the ballot box and it did once more.

The bonds will finance major additions and renovations to the facility on Lawndale Drive, including a 26,000-square-foot aquarium. Also on the drawing boards are new exhibits, outdoor natural play areas for younger children and a restaurant.

Bond supporters touted the center’s ability to attract more tourism and create new jobs with the expansion. A study projects its annual economic impact at $20 million with the upgrades.

The museum also has become a model for public-private partnerships. Although its land and buildings are owned by the city, the majority of its funding comes from other sources, including a variety of in-kind donations.

Maybe that’s why supporters didn’t fear the center being the only bond item on the budget nor did the center seek cover among a package of other items. A swim center that had been soundly rejected in previous elections won when bundled with parks and recreation bonds in 2008.

But the Science Center won as it usually does, on its own, based on its consistent ability to deliver quality programs and to carefully mind how it spends public dollars.