Organizers break ground on state-of-the-art Discovery Lab next to the Gathering Place

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — Students from Eugene Field Elementary School helped kick off construction of the new, 50,000 square foot Discovery Lab, which is opening right next door to the Gathering Place.

“It’s a day that’s been seven years in the making,” Anne Mannell said.

Mannell is the director or organizational development at the Discovery Lab.

She says the new space will have about four times more exhibit space than the current location, plus a 7,500 square foot education center with classrooms.

"I don't think I could even describe what all people will be able to see,” Mannell said. “But if you can imagine a place where there is hands on learning where kids are driving their own education.”

It’s expected to take about 18 months to complete.

“We will do construction parking and then the outdoor landscaping, and the amphitheater that will come toward the end of the construction of the building,” Jeff Stava the trustee and executive director of the Gathering Place said.

Stava says construction should be less invasive than when the park was built.

During construction the Gathering Place will also increase its parking area just south of the park.

There will be a thousand parking spots available.

“We are creating a pathway that will come down near Crow Creek and come under Riverside Drive and connect with the main trail,” Stava said.

A safer option for the hundreds of thousands of people are are expected to enjoy the Gathering Place, and soon the Discovery Lab.

The lab should be complete by late summer of 2021.

Construction on the lab is expected to begin March 24.

By that time the overflow lot, which is south of the Gathering Place will be accessible.