This idea has been driven by the Children's Services Council of Martin County, and picked up by the Junior Service League of Martin County, a community volunteer organization with a potential interest in moving the project forward. It was through the efforts of these two organizations that the issue of a children's museum was brought into this study, given the possibility that this facility could be developed in conjunction with the performing arts center. Inc., a children's museum consulting firm hired to assist with this aspect of our study in Martin County. They want to do something meaningful for the children of Martin County, and are to be commended for addressing quality of life issues in the community. In reviewing site visit note, and discussing community need and existing resources, a stand-alone cultural institution for children created by the JL does not seem to be the most effective vehicle for either JL resources or the meeting of community needs.
Sustainability is seen as the key challenge for a stand-alone institution.
Martin County's audience is too small in the area to sustain the budget necessary for a stand-alone institution. That size facility would need a bare bones staff of three paid employees with an incredible base of volunteer supporters. It would be helpful to analyze what percentage of time would need to be committed by the JL in terms of administration and public relations. Once that has been done, the hard decisions of forming the project structure can be made. We recommend two options for the Children's Services Council and the JL to pursue.