The VMNH Board of Trustees Facilities Committee convened on February 1, 2025, to discuss several key updates regarding the Waynesboro Mobile Science Outreach Trailer and future facility needs.

A significant focus of the meeting was the ongoing evaluation and maintenance of the outreach trailer, which is currently undergoing a full assessment by a Baltimore-based firm that previously worked on the trailer. The timeline for this evaluation remains uncertain, but it may affect the trailer's presence at the upcoming Waynesboro River Fest. The committee noted that the trailer is still parked and requires various repairs, including issues with the slide mechanism and lighting. Maintenance reserve funds have been allocated for these repairs, and the vendor plans to address the issues once warmer weather arrives.

Additionally, the committee discussed the development of a new trail funded by Dominion Energy. Parks and Recreation is collaborating on this project, which includes the installation of 3D printed educational stations. The completion of this project is tentatively scheduled to coincide with a ribbon-cutting event for the South River Preserve, planned for July or August, to ensure it receives adequate attention.

The meeting also touched on future considerations for the museum's collections. A proposal for a staff evaluation of collection needs is in the works, aimed at identifying space requirements and potential expansions. This evaluation will be crucial for justifying future building expansions, particularly concerning the Douglas Avenue facility, which may be repurposed for genetic collections and other storage needs.

Overall, the discussions highlighted the ongoing efforts to enhance the museum's outreach capabilities and address the growing demands of its collections, setting the stage for future developments in facility management and community engagement.