Western Science Center gets $150,000 from Hemet for improvements

The Western Science Center will receive $150,000 from the city of Hemet to build new exhibits at the museum and expand classrooms and laboratories.

The Hemet City Council on Tuesday approved releasing the money from its park development account, which comes from developer fees. The city had pledged a total of $1 million to the museum in 2006. The vote was 4-0. Mayor Eric McBride, at work with the San Bernardino Police Department, was absent.

The museum at Diamond Valley Lake will also use the money to build shelters against sun and rain over the instructional dig site, and to install tables and benches outside, City Manager Brian Nakamura said.

The museum has a collection of almost 1 million artifacts from prehistoric sites and offers educational activities for students. It is not owned by the city but is eligible for money because it is considered a public park within the city limits, Nakamura said.

The city has a stake in the success of the museum; Nakamura has said he envisions the museum and nearby ball fields, and perhaps someday camping and golf courses, as a destination for tourists and their dollars.

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