Rock County residents are used to (and expect) driving to Madison, Milwaukee, Rockford, and Chicago. It's what we do. We even prefer to shop there for "big" purchases. It's why it took until recently for the big box stores to visit us (likely taking advantage more of the interstate traffic going from IL to WI than local residents). Would it be nice to have things in town? Definitely. But can we support it? Probably not. Heck, I'd love to have a zoo here, too, but I know it isn't going to happen. One of the things I appreciate most about Janesville is how it keeps the cost of living down...by supporting community things like schools and the library, but not going overboard. I fear a children's museum would be going overboard for a community of this size whose members accept the fact that they must drive to a bigger city for museums.

to mike , that is not a bad price for live event. why dont you try getting tickets in a big city for a show. these are not un affordable and only for the elite. i dont see these unelite complaining about how much cigarettes are. and there free welfare plans. i week of cig purchases will certainly get the whole family in for a show!!!! or does the welfare people that are able to work but still take tax payers money want a free ride to the show too

BJS Concert at JPAC
Handel’s “Messiah” Sat. December 15 @ 7:30 pm
Ticket Pricing Adults - $20.00
Adults accompanied by children - $10.00
Students / Children - Free
So bring your kids and you get in for half price and the kids get in for free. That would be a max of $20 for the entire family to hear an exceptional show by our own local symphony. And that is the regular price of BJS shows at JPAC.
But yes, JPAC is only for the "elite".

I wonder....would the musuem be just as expensive as JPAC and so therefore for Janesville's 'elite' rather than the majority?
A roller skating rink or something more productive and affordable makes more sense. There's nothing in Janesville affordable for low income families to do. I know I can't afford YMCA, JPAC, etc.

And just how much is this "musuem" going to cost the taxpayer? When will this town learn to take care of the things it has first, then go for the frivolous and unneeded?

Im hoping that it's not Janesvilles wanting to be a big city, but that it wants to offer big city events. JPAC is doing well and I think we could handle a childrens museum. There are so many businesses downtown that could be renovated to house the museum. I would rather see a museum than the waterpark. As for not helping those in need, every October the Salvation Army distributes coats, hats, mittens, etc. Both ECHO and the Salvation Army will help area citizens with food and shelter needs. First Call For Help can assist in situations of needing beds, blankets, etc as well. The resources are out there, its just finding them.

Janesville keeps trying to become a big city with public performances, high end pool systems, expansive gym facilities, etc. While we maybe would like to have these things, the truth is Janesville is not quite that big yet. What about a regular public pool on the other side of town since the beach is no longer supported? What about putting money into education and not the gym? What about assisting those who can't afford coats and blankets? Janeville's priorities are curved towards those who HAVE, and do not try to assist those who HAVE NOT.