The Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) and the Deerfield Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (DBCRA) are excited to announce a partnership to create a marine science center at Sullivan Park in Deerfield Beach. The 10,000-square-foot facility will feature hands-on interpretive exhibits themed around “Sawgrass to Seagrass,” exploring the interconnected ecosystems of South Florida.
MODS was selected for this partnership due to its leadership in environmental education through several prominent regional, state and national initiatives. These include MODS being designated as Broward’s Hub for Resilience Education by the Community Foundation of Broward; participation in Caretakers of Wonder, a national project focused on inspiring environmental literacy in children ages 0-8; and operating the MODS STEMobile fleet, which delivers more than 60,000+ free and low-cost programs annually. Additional programs include the Visit Lauderdale Science Festival and the EcoExplorers internship, which supports high school students each year in workforce development.
The DBCRA is funding the design and construction of the center, with MODS contributing expertise in exhibit design, educational programming and visitor engagement. The Center will expand the Museum’s impact as Broward’s Hub for Resilience Education and extend its MODS’ STEMobile programs into North Broward and Palm Beach, delivering impactful, year-round STEM education to schools and communities.
The goal of the DBCRA and MODS partnership is to create an immersive space that explores the ecosystems from “Sawgrass to Seagrass.” The center will feature interactive exhibits and activities highlighting the importance of wetlands and seagrass ecosystems in water quality, wildlife habitats, and climate resilience. It will also promote environmental stewardship, equipping visitors with practical tools for conservation.
“The Museum of Discovery and Science is thrilled to partner with the City of Deerfield Beach to develop and bring this cutting-edge marine science center to both residents and tourists,” said Joseph P. Cox, president and CEO of MODS. “After extensive discussions, it was clear that our shared vision to educate, raise awareness and preserve our unique ecological environments made this partnership the perfect opportunity to further MODS’ mission of connecting people to inspiring science.”
The Sullivan Park redevelopment marks the next phase of the City’s vision to revitalize the Cove Shopping Center area by creating a vibrant urban park that attracts families from across South Florida and eco-tourists from around the world. As part of this vision, the DBCRA acquired the former Deerfield Beach Chamber of Commerce building, which will be transformed into the marine science center, further positioning the city as a premiere destination for eco-tourism and marine education.
The CRA Board of Directors recognizes the importance of a partnership of this magnitude and the impact on future generations.
“Having the Museum of Discovery and Science in Deerfield Beach is a huge win for our City as we enhance our identity as a nautical destination,” said Mayor Bill Ganz. “We’re fortunate that the MODS board of directors shares our vision of creating a children’s marine science center in Deerfield Beach and is allowing us to tap MODS staff for their expertise in making it happen. As someone whose seen this project from an idea on the back of a napkin to where we are today, I am very proud of this milestone.”
“‘Go Bold’ has been my call to action for the City of Deerfield Beach,” said the City’s Vice Mayor Todd Drosky. “This partnership with the renowned Museum of Discovery and Science is a great example of our city going bold to create something special we’ll be able to enjoy for years to come!”
District 1 Commissioner Michael Hudak added, “Ever since becoming commissioner, one of my goals was to partner with organizations that share our goals. MODS is a first-class organization with a shared goal of educating our community’s youth for years to come.”
The Center is expected to open to the public in summer 2026.
To learn more about this partnership and plans for the new marine science center at Sullivan Park, contact the Deerfield Beach CRA at 954.480.4262. For information about the Museum of Discovery and Science, visit mods.org.
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Rendering courtesy of Deerfield Beach Community Redevelopment Agency
Daytime exterior rendering of the new marine science center at Sullivan Park in Deerfield Beach, a partnership between the Museum of Discovery and Science and the Deerfield Beach Community Redevelopment Agency. The 10,000-square-foot facility will feature hands-on interpretive exhibits themed around “Sawgrass to Seagrass,” exploring the interconnected ecosystems of South Florida.
