FISTA Awards Nearly $4 Million for Science Institute
The FISTA Development Trust Authority awarded construction and exhibit contracts for a new interactive science museum in Lawton.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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The FISTA Development Trust Authority awarded construction management and exhibit development contracts for the FISTA Youth and Science Institute at a November 4 meeting. The award totals just under four million dollars and covers over 70 exhibits across nine spaces.
Why it matters
The contracts move forward a new interactive science museum that will occupy the former Westside movie theatre in Lawton. The project adds a hands-on learning venue for residents of Southwest Oklahoma.
The awards total just under $4 million for more than 70 exhibits across nine spaces at the FISTA Youth and Science Institute. The extraction does not state the individual contract values or the contractors selected.
The players
FISTA Development Trust Authority
The FISTA Development Trust Authority is the body that approves major projects and development contracts for the FISTA Innovation Park in Lawton.
FISTA Youth and Science Institute
The FISTA Youth and Science Institute is a planned interactive science museum that will occupy the former Westside movie theatre in Lawton.
The details
At the FISTA Innovation Park, the Authority awarded contracts for construction management and exhibit development for the new institute. The exhibits are designed to be interactive and based on hands-on learning.
Timeline
November 4, 2026: FISTA Development Trust Authority awards the Youth and Science Institute contracts at its meeting.
Roadmap
The FISTA Innovation Park is the development hub where this institute is being built, adding a youth-focused science venue alongside the park's other projects. The award marks the Authority's approval of exhibit and construction work for a new interactive museum in Lawton.
Residents of Lawton and Southwest Oklahoma will gain a hands-on science museum once the exhibits and construction are complete. The extraction does not indicate a set opening date or admission details.
The takeaway
The approved contracts show the FISTA Development Trust Authority is funding a learning venue aimed at youth and families in Southwest Oklahoma. Readers interested in the project can track future Authority meetings for construction and opening updates.
Further reading
For more new venues opening in the area, see Openings & Closings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kswo.
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