COSI Toledo to close December 31^st

The leaders of COSI Toledo announced the plans for closing the facility that for ten years has provided a source of science exploration and discovery for northwest Ohio families and children. COSI Toledo will officially close its doors to the public at 5:00 p.m. on December 31, 2007.

In November 2006 and 2007, COSI attempted to pass a 1/6 mil levy to continue funding for operations.  Lucas County voters rejected both requests by a small margin.  The levy would have generated $1.5 million to keep the facility running and would have cost the owner of a $100,000 home approximately $5 annually.

David Waterman, Chairman of the Board for COSI Toledo said a few staff members will stay on board for 30 days after December 31 to finalize the shut down of the facility and inventory the exhibits and retail items. 

The City of Toledo, which owns the building, will bear the maintenance and utility costs for the building after the science center closes.  The exhibits are owned by the State of Ohio and will remain in the current facility for the time being.1
 

Waterman credited the staff of COSI for keeping the center running, noting that they continue to accomplish a lot more for the community with a few resources and staff members.  He also thanked the community for ten years of loyal support, interest and encouragement.

Several alternate formats have been suggested for re-opening COSI in 2008.  Waterman said the board hopes that interested parties in the Lucas County community will be able to work together to develop a plan to re-open the science center in some capacity.  He noted that nationwide statistics demonstrate that operating a facility like COSI without public funding is not feasible.  He did not rule out returning for a levy in November 2008, but said that a levy will not be pursued in March as previously discussed by community leaders fighting to save the science center.

COSI Toledo opened in March 1997 after business and community leaders worked together to bring the science center to Northwest Ohio based on its popularity in Columbus and the desire for diverse cultural and educational attractions in Toledo.  The center has occupied the former Portside Marketplace on the Riverfront acting as an exciting location for school field trips and family outings and providing a unique venue for special events like overnight excursions and corporate parties. 

COSI Toledo will remain opened to the public daily between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Sunday from Noon to 5:00 p.m. through December 31.  The center will be closed December 24 and 25 for the Christmas holiday.  Guests are invited to visit favorite exhibits before the end of the year as well as to post their favorite COSI memories on the wall in the lower level of the facility.