Sunflower Discovery Center

Rooted in community vision and collaboration, the Sunflower Child Development & Discovery Center brings a vibrant new space for hands-on learning to life. Blending the functions of a childcare center and discovery center, the facility weaves local elements into its design—most notably in a custom water table inspired by the surrounding landscape. Working in close partnership with the center, Boss Display designed and built this multi-themed water feature as the focal point of the play space. Surrounded by exhibits like a giant push pin wall, ElectroSketch, and Duplo cubes, the water table invites curiosity and collaboration, embodying the center’s vision of a place where children can learn, grow, and discover through play.

Project: Water Table

Location: Decorah, IA

Installed: September 2024

Child playing with an interactive water table at the discovery center.

Guests can construct their own water ways with the lever activated build-a-pipe system.

The STEAM themed section of the water table features an oversized water vortex, overhead spiraling ball tracks, and an acrylic viewing dome.

Learn about local waterways and nature via the mounted graphics throughout the table.

large giant etchasketch with kids interacting

The oversized digital drawing exhibit encourages guests to get creative on a whole new scale.

Large water vortex on the interactive water table

A series of overhead elements like the horizontal screw conveyor or spiralling ball track, make full use of the space.

A handcrank powered air blower send balls up and into the horizontal screw conveyor.

The rain bar provides a unique water source to power the moveable water toys.

The water table is filled with hands-on opportunities for paralell play encouraging guests to learn alonside one another.

Duplo building blocks and giant etchasketch

The oversized Duplo Cubes allow guests to build and create on all sides and surfaces.

Child staring in wonder at the giant lite brite

Alongside other art themed exhibits, the Illumination Station brings out guests inner artist on a grand scale.

The laminar water jet launches ball pit balls into the swirling vortex.

Beaver themed river tabs allow guests to control the flow of water through the nature themed section.

The Archimedes Screw provides a unique system to elevate water from one level to another.

The nature themed portion of the water table ends in an interactive fishing pond where children can catch magnetic fish.

The air tubes allow users to send scarfs soaring through the air, changing their pathways as they fly.

Young kid interacting with the giant pin wall.

Visitors can explore shape and spatial awareness through making imprints on the Pin Wall.