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| Screenshot of rendering from WondersofWildlife.org |
“Phase 1, which includes the Wildlife Galleries area, is scheduled to reopen mid-2011. The grand reopening of the entire Wonders of Wildlife facility is scheduled for late summer 2012.
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| Screenshot of rendering from WondersofWildlife.org |
“I continue to be impressed with the creativity and commitment for excellence in this project. Thanks to the generous contributions of John Morris and Bass Pro Shops, the museum has been able to develop the plans for a world-class living facility that people from all across the country will want to visit. During these challenging economic times it is important to note that as we embark on our expansion, we are doing so on very sound financial footing. Over the past 5 years the museum has been very fortunate to have received private donations totaling over $19 million in cash plus an additional $2.5 million in pledges, making it possible for us to retire all long term debt and become a debt free institution.
“Additionally our ambitious $25million expansion project is being funded almost entirely by additional private cash contributions that total over $24 million.
“I have proudly volunteered to serve on this board since the beginning, watching the museum grow from a dream to a shared vision to one of the most visited paid museums in America. To be sure, the WOW museum has become a beacon for the proud heritage of hunting and fishing and is a cornerstone for the future of conservation in America. Please know that we have a great fiduciary responsibility as a board, both to create a facility that will greatly enhance tourism revenues to the City of Springfield and to those donors who have trusted us with their contributions to re-create and re-construct a world-class facility.”
