Arvest Foundation, Rheem support Fort Kids Children’s Museum

Fort Kids Children’s Museum has received gifts from the Arvest Foundation and Rheem Manufacturing as part of the effort to raise more than $16 million to build a children’s museum in Fort Smith.

Fort Kids is working to raise a construction cost goal of $7 million by the summer of 2025 to break ground. Just under $2 million has been raised. In-kind donations raise their total revenue to $3.3 million, said Sarah Strom, president of the Fort Kids board of directors. The total goal for the capital campaign is $16.3 million.

Arvest Foundation made a $50,000 donation towards a new building for the museum at the end of October.

“I am proud to announce Arvest Foundation’s support of the upcoming Fort Kids Children’s Museum. This gift reflects the Foundation’s commitment to empowering the next generation of Arkansas children by providing them with the tools they need to learn and grow. Today’s students are tomorrow’s community leaders, and we are glad to help pave the way for a brighter future for our community,” said Mike Jacimore, president of Arvest Bank – Fort Smith region.

Rheem stepped forward with an in-kind donation for all HVAC units within Fort Kids, said Laura Wyerick, who was recently hired as director of development for Fort Kids. Rheem’s generosity will save the children’s museum from having to purchase these units out of pocket, Wyerick said.

“Rheem is honored to support Fort Kids in enhancing the museum experience for all guests by providing a state-of-the-art heating and cooling system. We are excited to contribute to creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for visitors to enjoy,” said Kyle Druding, Rheem senior HR programs and projects manager.

Wyerick said the contributions will significantly enhance the mission of Fort Kids to build a world of possibility and connection through play and help build a children’s museum on the Arkansas riverfront. Organizers of the museum announced in June 2023 that the Robbie Westphal family donated 5.6 acres along the river, just south of the U.S. Marshals Museum, as the site of the future Fort Kids Children’s Museum.

The Fort Kids Children’s Museum is a registered 501(c)(3) company and has a board of directors. That board has hired the museum planning company Haizlip Studio, the firm that designed the River Valley Nature Center at Chaffee Crossing and the Amazeum in Northwest Arkansas, to help with the master plan. MAHG Architecture of Fort Smith is designing the future building.

Strom has said the museum will focus on three pillars: Education, focusing on literacy and STEM-based activities; development with a focus on the whole child; and mental health. Planned exhibits will include a Playful Town that will feature a full-size food truck, a doctor’s office, a garage and auto body shop, a bank, an airplane and more. There also will be a “river” water play/climbing area, a two-story climber, an art studio, a STEM space, and hands-on open-concept areas for children over 5.

“We are humbled and grateful for the steadfast support from the community. These donations will enable Fort Kids to continue building opportunities for children and families. The positive impact of these gifts will be felt by our community and our region for generations to come. Our hope is that Fort Kids will be built for our community, by our community,” Strom said.