Kopernik Science Park

Over the past six years, the Junior League of Binghamton and Kopernik Observatory & Science Center have been working to build a science-themed playground on the Kopernik grounds in Vestal. This was a huge effort from a committee of dedicated volunteers with great vision and big hearts. Our local foundations and businesses stood with us and donated money to pursue this idea. Our volunteers wrote grants and worked with New York State Parks to get this project funded. We also competed for and were awarded grants from national organizations. Our community supported us and that’s how a small town like ours was able to raise big funds and support this awesome project.

We never envisioned completing this playground during a pandemic. When the world shut down in March, we had just ordered our playground equipment. We had to wait out delays in manufacturing and delays in construction.

We are so proud to announce that the Kopernik Science Park (KSP) now is complete. We had planned to hold a Grand Opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony but have put that on hold due to the recent spike in coronavirus cases in our area.  We did however have a virtual ribbon-cutting ceremony and you can watch the recording by clicking on this link.  Please bear with us as we open slowly to the public. We cannot have crowds or large gatherings. If you choose to visit KSP, please wear a mask and maintain physical distancing.

Please remember that non-profits are struggling right now. COVID is changing our world and our non-profits are in need of funding, now more than ever. If you value Kopernik, become a member today (www.kopernik.org). If you value the Discovery Center & Story Garden, Roberson Museum & Science Center, Tri-Cities Opera, Binghamton Philharmonic, and other non-profits – support them now. These organizations increase our quality of life. They are tourist destinations and centers of learning and culture, and they plant the seeds that inspire our children to dream big. 

Click on the links below to check out information on the various structures and displays in the Kopernik Science Park:

Abacus

Cliffside Run

Composting Toilet

Flower Talk Tubes

Global Motion

Phases of the Moon

Powerscape Swing

Pulse Table Tennis

Rocketship Climber

SeeSaw

Super Moon Climber