KidsWork Children’s Museum to Install New Crane Exhibit

Village of New Lenox Board Meeting | January 12, 2026

Article Summary: Using grant funds from a local solar energy partner, the Village Board authorized the purchase of a new crane exhibit for the KidsWork Children’s Museum. The new equipment is designed to be more durable and interactive than the current display.

KidsWork Crane Purchase Key Points:

• Funding: The purchase is funded by a $20,000 grant from Dimension Energy.

• Upgrade: The new crane replaces a current exhibit that frequently breaks.

• Safety Design: The new unit features a magnet release system to prevent damage if children hang on the equipment.

The KidsWork Children’s Museum will soon feature an upgraded construction exhibit following the Village Board’s approval of a new crane purchase on Monday, January 12, 2026.

Staff member Beth presented the request, explaining that the village received a $20,000 grant from Dimension Energy, the company operating the rooftop solar project on Baron’s Road. The grant is specifically designated for STEM-related programming and organizations.

“We were able to get the crane at a 20% discount,” Beth told the Board. She noted that the current crane exhibit has suffered from maintenance issues due to children hanging on the cables. The new design utilizes a magnet to hold the platform to the rope.

“If a kid tries to hang from it, it’s coming right down by design,” Beth explained.

The grant will cover the majority of the cost, with the remaining balance of approximately $3,000 potentially covered by sponsorships or fundraising.