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Kid City Bids Bittersweet Farewell Before Relocating

Tribune photo by JAMIE PILARCZYK

Since 1965, children have dreamt of an imaginary world while playing at Kid City, a miniature replica of downtown, with a grocery store, fast-food restaurant, firehouse, bank and more.

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TBO.com

Published: December 5, 2008

TAMPA - For decades, its child-sized streets and miniature replica of downtown — complete with grocery store, fast-food restaurant, firehouse and bank — have welcome wide-eyed youngsters.

But today, Kid City, the Children's Museum of Tampa, closes its little doors for good at its longtime home next to Lowry Park Zoo.

Children — and the young at heart — can get a last look around Kid City, 7550 N. Boulevard, from 1 to 8 p.m. Admission is free, and there will be a closing ceremony at 6 p.m.

Formerly known as Safety Village, the museum has hosted school groups, Scout troops and families. It closed its doors for general operations Oct. 4 but reopened to the public for free on two days: Nov. 7 and today. The museum is preparing to relocate downtown with a new name, the Glazer Children's Museum.

The 50,000-square-foot museum, which will feature 175 exhibits in 16 themed areas, is set to open in spring 2010 at a cost of $21 million.

In October, museum administrator Kristen Nieves said people's reaction to the move has been bittersweet.

"They have fond memories of Kid City, Safety Village, the role we've played in the community here," she said. "But they are all very much excited and looking forward to what we're going to offer bigger and better in the future."

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