Rhiannon Crane updates Capitola Council on Children's Museum community initiatives

The City of Capitola Council meeting on May 8, 2025, featured a presentation from Rhiannon Crane, the Executive Director of the Santa Cruz Children's Museum of Discovery. Crane provided an update on the museum's activities and its ongoing partnership with the city through a community grant received for the past three years.

Crane highlighted that the museum, located in the Capitola Mall, serves approximately 50,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most frequented museums in Santa Cruz County. The museum boasts a membership of 1,200 families, with around 15,000 visitors benefiting from free or reduced access programs.

The presentation showcased various programs offered at the museum, including the popular teddy bear clinic, where children engage in play therapy by acting as doctors for their stuffed animals, guided by nursing students from Cabrillo College. Crane emphasized the museum's focus on science education, with hands-on activities such as building cork boats and utilizing an indoor planetarium for educational field trips.

Crane also discussed recent improvements funded by the city grant, including the creation of a quiet space within the museum for children who may feel overwhelmed by crowds. This area has been well-received by families seeking a calmer environment. Additionally, the museum has expanded its programming to include science classes for individuals with disabilities, fostering inclusivity and community engagement.

The museum recently hosted a traveling exhibit on healthy eating, further enhancing its offerings and visibility within the community. Crane expressed gratitude for the city's support, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in enriching the educational experiences provided to local families.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the partnership between the city and the museum, highlighting the positive impact of their collaborative efforts on the community.