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Dark Sky Discovery Center nears completion; organizers say $28M of $30M goal raised
Summary
The International Dark Sky Discovery Center reported construction is largely complete for its observatory and planetarium, has captured 'first light' images with its CDK‑700 telescope, and has raised roughly $28 million of a $30 million goal, including a recent $400,000 donation; staff and the board expect to finish fundraising and open in late 2026.
The International Dark Sky Discovery Center provided the Town Council with a progress update on the 23,000‑square‑foot facility that sits adjacent to Centennial Circle.
Jeff, representing the Discovery Center, told the council the observatory is complete and houses a CDK‑700 research‑grade telescope. “We have raised to 28,000,000 out of the required 30 [million] to bring this project to life,” he said, and added the center recently received a $400,000 donation from a local donor.
Jeff outlined the center’s five core components — the dark‑sky observatory, a hyperspace planetarium dome, a 150‑seat inspiration theater, a 3,300‑square‑foot Night Sky Exhibit Hall and a 900‑square‑foot classroom — and said phase‑2 designs from Swaback are under review and will go to McCarthy for contractor pricing. He told council staff tentatively anticipates starting phase‑2 construction in March or April, with a projected six‑month build that would aim for a fourth‑quarter 2026 opening.
Council members congratulated the volunteer team and donors. Town staff did not identify outstanding permitting issues during the presentation; Jeff said fundraising remains the primary task and encouraged residents to refer potential donors. The council did not take formal action on the update.
What’s next: staff and the Discovery Center will continue fundraising and finalize phase‑2 construction schedules and contractor pricing before returning with further updates.
