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1. Board of Directors. Region 5 Children's Museum
<br /> Paul Drange, Board Chair
<br /> Director of Regional Programs, Sourcewell
<br /> Cheryal Hills,Treasurer
<br /> Executive Director, Region Five Development Commission
<br /> Matt Kilian, Director
<br /> President, Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce
<br /> Peter Olson, President, Ex Officio Director
<br /> Museum Project Director, Region 5 Children's Museum
<br /> Quinn Swanson, Secretary
<br /> Executive Director, Happy Dancing Turtle
<br /> Shannon Wheeler, Director
<br /> Early Childhood Coordinator, Pequot Lakes Public Schools
<br /> 2. Oaportunit�r
<br /> The region, community, or city where a museum, or any organization, is located is more than an
<br /> address or destination. It is the place, the people,the past, stories, and possibilities. It is the
<br /> backdrop and a starting point for understanding, planning, serving, and benefitting an area, its
<br /> residents, businesses, and communities.
<br /> Located approximately three hours from the Twin Cities, Region 5 is one of 13 economic
<br /> development regions in Minnesota. It is a rural and small-town area with deep pine forests in
<br /> the north, rich farmland in the south, chains of lakes in the middle, and the Mississippi River
<br /> running through it.The region's population of approximately 162,000 annually expands by
<br /> approximately 300,000 with tourists and seasonal residents.
<br /> Region 5, like any other area, is characterized by both promise and challenge.Together these
<br /> attributes inspire and shape the opportunity the children's museum intends to pursue in serving
<br /> children, families, and community well.
<br /> Over the last decade, regional population has grown and is expected to continue. Population is
<br /> expected to grow about 8% and to be increasingly ethnically diverse. The region enjoys a
<br /> diversifying economy.The Brainerd Lakes Area is viewed as being on the cusp of positive and
<br /> transformative change with multiple development initiatives. Families are considered vital to the
<br /> growth and development of the region, apparent in housing, employment, educational, and
<br /> recreational strategies.
<br /> Along with indicators of population and economic growth,the region can expect some
<br /> challenges.While population is growing, it is uneven across the region, it is aging, and is older
<br /> than the state average. Child poverly rates in the region are somewhat-to-significantly higher
<br /> than statewide.The lakes, woodlands, and waterways of the region, critical assets to the local
<br /> economy and quality of life, are also resources that are threatened. Visitors and permanent
<br /> residents have access to a wide range of outdoor and recreational opportunities, yet there are
<br /> relatively few out-of-school learning resources, especially during the area's long winters.
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