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Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert reports surge in visitors after reimagined reopening; asks city for continued support
Summary
The museum’s CEO updated council on a year‑old reopening, reporting record monthly attendance, expanded accessibility features and programs, and fundraising needs as the institution seeks city support for grant applications and events.
Cindy Burrison, chief executive officer of the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert, updated the Palm Desert City Council on the museum’s reimagined reopening and operations on April 24.
Burrison said the museum reopened after a multiyear reimagining over Memorial Day weekend last year and has since expanded programming and accessibility features. She reported the museum’s best month was March, with about 8,900 guests, and that roughly 36% of visitors are from Palm Desert. Burrison said about one‑third of local visitors use the museum’s "Museums for All" reduced‑admission program tied to EBT benefits; she described that program as a mission‑driven subsidy the museum currently covers without external subsidy.
Burrison highlighted accessibility improvements made during the reimagining: three automatic doors, adaptive trikes for a trike track, materials in English, Spanish and Mandarin, a certified autism‑friendly designation, sensory bags, and a sensory guide. She also outlined daily programming, field trips (which she said occur daily in May and were running strongly), and a 10‑week themed summer camp program.
Burrison asked the council to continue to consider museum funding opportunities; she said the museum was applying for grant funding with an upcoming deadline and invited council participation in a June fundraiser. Council member Karina Quintanilla (museum liaison) and other council members praised the museum’s accessibility features and community impact.
