After years and years of planning, they have scheduled a grand opening for October of this year.

Haz Said, director of marketing and communications for the museum, called it exciting and “slightly terrifying.”

“The time is passing very quickly, and we’ve got so much to do,” he said in a phone interview Monday.

The power plant, located on Camino del Rio right before its junction with Main Avenue, was built in 1893 shortly after Durango’s founding and was one of the first steam-powered alternating-current plants in the country.

It had been shut down for decades and faced possible demolition when the city signed a deal to lease the space for a museum that emphasizes energy and science.

Phase I, which included exterior renovation and environmental remediation at the site, was completed a couple of years ago for about $1.1 million.

Since then, organizers have been busy with Phase II, which included drawing up designs, planning exhibits and raising funds.

Construction on those plans is scheduled to begin at the site later this month. In all, the estimated cost of Phase II is $2 million. Read more.

“Cooking Camp with Yucky Salad” takes  place June 1, 8, 15 and 22 (Mondays).

 ”Our silly friend Yucky Salad is back with what may be her most important lesson to date. Take advantage of our local resources and dabble in sustainable living. Each week, we will use fresh and local products from the farmer’s market to create a healthy and delicious dish. We will also be visited by some local professionals who will lead sessions in cheese making, jarring and canning, and more. This is a great opportunity to introduce sustainable living to budding chefs and future foodies,” the program brochure reads.

The schedule is 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for ages 3-5 and 2:30-4:30 p.m. for ages 6-10 at Durango Discovery Kids. The cost is $90 or $75 for members.

“Anatomy, Biology, and Chemistry: The ABC’s of our Bodies” for ages 3-5 takes place June 2, 9, 16 and 23 (Tuesday). 

“A pediatric nurse friend will join us for this exciting and hands on look at the systems in our bodies and how they work. Ever wonder what happens to your food after you swallow it? Are you curious about what makes your hair grow? If so, this is the class for you!” the brochure reads.

The schedule is 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and the cost is $80 or $65 for members.

To sign-up go to www.durangodiscoverykids.org and click on programs and download the registration form or call Lexie Wallace at 828-1154 or Ashley Hein at 259-9234.

Stay posted for more summertime activities.