DEERFIELD BEACH, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2026) — A new marine science center from the Museum of Discovery and Science is now official in Deerfield Beach, where construction is already underway at Sullivan Park.
The Museum of Discovery and Science Deerfield Beach Nature Center is being built through a partnership between MODS and the Deerfield Beach Community Redevelopment Agency. The project is planned as a 10,000-square-foot facility focused on hands-on marine science, interactive exhibits and environmental education for residents, students, families and visitors.
The center will be located at Sullivan Park, part of the city’s broader redevelopment effort around the Cove Shopping Center area. The Deerfield Beach Community Redevelopment Agency is funding the design and construction of the facility, while MODS is contributing its expertise in exhibit design, educational programming and visitor engagement.
The new center will be themed around “Sawgrass to Seagrass,” with exhibits planned around the connected ecosystems of South Florida. The programming is expected to focus on wetlands, seagrass systems, water quality, wildlife habitats and climate resilience.
For Boca Raton and Palm Beach County readers, the project adds another regional science and family education destination just south of the county line. MODS also said the center will extend its STEMobile programs into North Broward and Palm Beach communities, bringing year-round STEM education to schools and neighborhoods.
The facility is also intended to support environmental stewardship, giving visitors practical tools for conservation and a closer look at the ecosystems that shape South Florida.
“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.”
MODS was selected for the partnership because of its work in environmental education. The museum has been designated as Broward’s Hub for Resilience Education by the Community Foundation of Broward and participates in Caretakers of Wonder, a national project focused on environmental literacy for children ages 0 to 8.
The museum also operates the MODS STEMobile fleet, which delivers more than 60,000 free and low-cost programs annually. Its other programs include the Visit Lauderdale Science Festival and the EcoExplorers internship, which supports high school students in workforce development.
The Sullivan Park redevelopment is part of Deerfield Beach’s plan to create a more active urban park and strengthen the city’s identity as a destination for families, eco-tourism and marine education. As part of that effort, the DBCRA acquired the former Deerfield Beach Chamber of Commerce building, which is being transformed into the new marine science center.
Mayor Bill Ganz called the project a major step for the city.
“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,” Ganz said. “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.”
Vice Mayor Todd Drosky also pointed to the project as part of the city’s larger redevelopment vision.
“‘Go Bold’ has been my call to action for the City of Deerfield Beach,” Drosky said. “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 said the partnership fits his goal of working with organizations that can serve Deerfield Beach residents.
“Ever since becoming commissioner, one of my goals was to partner with organizations that share our goals,” Hudak said. “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 in 2026. Project materials list a late fall 2026 opening, while the partnership announcement also references summer 2026.
Residents seeking more information about the partnership and plans for the new marine science center at Sullivan Park can contact the Deerfield Beach CRA at 954-480-4262. Information about the Museum of Discovery and Science is available at mods.org.
This story is part of our ongoing Deerfield Beach News reporting.
