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| - The New Science Centre, otherwise known as TELUS Spark, is much, much larger than its predecessor.
I went on opening day on my own to check it out, and was impressed by how much space there was to play in. Some parts of the centre were either still under construction or not open yet, but the four main exhibits that were open all offered plenty of opportunities for all ages to explore science and to be creative.
Like the old Science Centre, most, if not all of the exhibits had a hands-on component to it. You could experiment generating and playing with electricity in a variety of ways, attempt to create craters or dams, build windmills and pipelines, test your reaction time, create music, and so much more. I spent at least three hours on my own just exploring and playing around. In fact, the four main exhibits are perfect if you want to bring along the kids, or even a friend or a date as there are many opportunities to play together collaboratively.
There's a presentation theatre that has special presentations every hour, and various group activities routinely occur in the atrium area as well.
The Creative Children's Area (which you can only enter if you have a child, or know a staff member who'll clear you for entrance) is much bigger than before as well, with a giant water table, illuminated tables, padded play areas, and a wicked cool jungle gym with an air cannon on the second level that the kid in me really, really wanted to try. The best improvement of all though is the fact that washrooms are now installed within the area, which makes it much easier if you're a parent with a child.
As of this writing, some areas of the centre weren't open yet. Those include the Dome Theatre and the external exhibits area where special or traveling exhibits will eventually debut. For now, the centre is focusing on showcasing their four permanent exhibits.
My only complaints with the venue is that there is no obvious pathway from the Zoo LRT station to TELUS Spark. I'm a transit user myself, and while it's a short distance away from the station on foot, you'll be crossing parking lots and a couple of grassy areas to get there.
Also note that the gift shop and the cafe is considered outside of the exhibits, so if you want to do some quick shopping or grab a bite to eat and then go back in, you'll need to show security your ticket or pass again. A minor annoyance, especially if you're not expecting it, so don't lose your ticket! Also, I could totally see the cafe running out of seating if it's a busy day down there. Not sure what more can be done about that though, and it isn't like the old location had a lot of seating as well.
Considering this was opening day, the venue was a little rough around the edges, and parts of the centre either weren't ready, had a few kinks to work out, or were still under construction.
That said, it's an interesting space that shows a lot of promise and potential, and is much better suited than the old space downtown. There's something to see and do for everyone, so it's definitely worth checking out, even if you're an adult.
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