Pictured: Interim Director Stephanie Otero addresses the media at today’s news conference in the Foundation Room as board chair Josh Hunt looks on. FabLab’s 3D scale model of the Anything’s Possible Climber is on the table between them.

The El Paso Children’s Museum and Science Center is pleased to announce a $5 million donation from the Woody and Gayle Hunt Family Foundation. The donation includes the design and completion of the museum’s most defining feature — the 50-foot Anything’s Possible Climber.

The Climber will be a learning adventure, an iconic “wow” experience that will wind its way through four floors of the venue. The Climber was designed by Gyroscope Inc. of Oakland, California, inspired by extensive community input. It will be a high-tech pathway that will offer unique challenges, hidden surprises, and spectacular views.

“The Woody and Gayle Hunt Family Foundation has always believed in the limitless opportunities the El Paso Children’s Museum and Science Center will bring to El Paso — from educational opportunities to economic development for downtown to a place where families from all across the city can come together. We are proud to invest in that vision,” said Josh Hunt, Executive Vice President for Hunt Companies, Inc. and Chairman of the Board for the El Paso Children’s Museum and Science Center. “I believe this public-private partnership is the perfect example of how successful collaboration can bring transformational projects to downtown El Paso and leave a lasting impact on our region’s quality of life.”

The El Paso Children’s Museum and Science Center is a special project of the public-private partnership of the El Paso Community Foundation, the City of El Paso and additional community stakeholders. It was approved by El Paso voters as part of a Quality of Life Bond election in 2012, and is now under construction in downtown El Paso, with an expected completion date in 2022.

“Sincere thanks to the Woody and Gayle Hunt Family Foundation for its stalwart belief in this project,” said Eric Pearson, President and CEO of the El Paso Community Foundation, and Vice Chair of the Board for the El Paso Children’s Museum and Science Center. “This interactive venue will be world-class, and it would not have happened in this way had the Hunt Family and others not stepped up. We are really thankful for their profound impact on this endeavor, enabling El Paso’s educational opportunities and quality of life to climb to new heights.”

The Climber is just one of what will be many mind-boggling features at the El Paso Children’s Museum and Science Center. Its nine themed zones will create a S.T.E.A.M.-based visitor experience inspired by the air, water, weather, and sounds of the desert Southwest. It promises to be world-class, and one of the most unique, inclusive, and educational destinations in this part of the world.

“Our mission is to launch imagination and spark discovery and the Climber will serve as an interactive encounter while providing mindful inspiration for everyone who enters the building,” said Interim Director Stephanie Otero, Vice President of Operations for the El Paso Community Foundation. “We are grateful to the Woody and Gayle Hunt Family Foundation. Their generosity will bring this signature experience to life.”

A scale model of the Anything’s Possible Climber was created by Fab Lab El Paso, using high-tech and hand-built techniques. Starting this week, it is on display in the promenade of the Mills Building, and will be displayed at public places around the city in the near future.

For more information on the El Paso Children’s Museum and Science Center or to make a donation, please visit epcmuseum.org. The Name the Museum Challenge is going on now!