Imaginations can run wild as kids take on the role of scientists on an expedition at the new local attraction in Secaucus. “Field Station: Dinosaurs” had its grand opening May 26. What was once a secluded section of woods tucked away in Laurel Hill County Park has become the home to over thirty life-sized, realistic dinosaurs that roar and move.
“Our mission is to teach children and families important lessons about our world today using the story and the science of dinosaurs,” said Creator Guy Gsell during a presentation on the park.
World lessons
The park is the brainchild of Gsell, who hasn’t lost his love of dinosaurs since he first saw an exhibit about them at the World Fair in 1965.
“We want to make sure that kids are learning something that is relevant to their lives,” said Gsell.
“We want to make sure that kids are learning something that is relevant to their lives.” – Guy Gsell
____________
The dinosaurs range in size and include the ninety foot long Argentinosaurus, the largest animatronic dinosaur ever made.
Science and art at work
Gsell’s past is full of educational endeavors and theatrical pursuits. He served as founding director of Discovery Times Square, giving life to such exhibits as “King Tut,” “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition” and “daVinci’s Workshop.” Gsell was managing director of the Two River Theater Company in Red Bank – one of N.J.’s top theatre education programs – for six years.
He spent 12 years touring with the child theatre company, the Paper Bag Players. He has performed in off-Broadway productions, authored two plays, and is a singer-songwriter. Dinosaurs allow Gsell to combine his self-proclaimed dinosaur obsession with his love for teaching and performance.
The dinosaurs featured in the park came together with the skills of roboticists and artists. They were created in China and engineered in Texas.
Scientists from the New Jersey State Museum have worked to ensure that the exhibition encompasses the latest theories and discoveries in the fields of paleontology, geology, and environmental studies. Workshops, games and activities connect the story of the dinosaurs to our world today, giving new relevance to their lives and power to the tale of their extinction.
And at the center of it all is the fun, the joy and the wonder of dinosaurs.
Visiting the park
The park is open from Saturday, May 26 through mid-November.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends until June 19. Hours June 20 to Sept. 4 are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For advance tickets and more information, visit www.fieldstationdinosaurs.com or call (855) 999-9010. Ticket prices on-line and by phone are $20 for adults and $17.50 for kids (12 and under) and seniors. Tickets at the box office are $25 for adults and $20 for kids (12 and under) and seniors. Children 2 years old and under are free.
Adriana Rambay Fernández may be reached at afernandez@hudsonreporter.com.