The gift went toward supporting the construction of the recently opened destination play space that benefits local Wichitans and regional visitors with world-class family fun and play.
Koch has gifted Exploration Place in Wichita, Kansas $1 million to support the science and discovery center’s recently completed efforts to construct a new destination play space known as the Adventure Playscape.
The project takes outdoor play to a whole new level, featuring 10 themed play areas across more than six acres that offer interactive learning and play for kids of all ages and abilities. Visitors to the playscape enter through the Koch Welcome Plaza before deciding which themed area to explore first.
As part of its stewardship efforts, Koch continually seeks ways to make the communities where it operates better by partnering with organizations that work toward creating opportunities for people to apply their unique talents and live a better life. The partnership with Exploration Place helps create a space for families across the region to experience play that stimulates the imagination while encouraging experimentation and risk-taking in a safe, controlled environment.
“Supporting Wichita families starts with creating spaces where kids can explore, imagine and grow,” said Shea Griffin, Koch Community Affairs manager. “The Adventure Playscape does that through world-class design and environments inspired by Kansas’ landscape, heritage and identity. We’re proud to be part of bringing this opportunity to families here and across the region.”
Since opening in March 2026, the Adventure Playscape has already had more than 250,000 visitors and helped increase overall visits to Exploration Place by 70%. The Adventure Playscape is included with museum admission. Members get unlimited access year-round.
Additionally, Exploration Place offers free admission to those on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) benefits through the Museums for All program.
Koch employees recently celebrated the opening of the new playscape with a special employee-only event. More than 1,200 employees and family members came out to run, jump, slide and explore the unique new space.
