Construction of the W.A. Gayle Planetarium began in 1968 but it was actually opened to the public a year later. Located within the picturesque Oak Park just in front of Jackson Hospital, the 200-seater planetarium has welcomed thousands of visitors through the years, most of them are students. In fact, 5 years ago, almost a hundred thousand K12 students have visited the Planetarium. This enormous number of patrons can be attributed to its most recent renovation, which is considered a first since it opened in 1969. The renovation brought in some new slide projectors and sound system, laser disc movie projectors and a new program to introduce W.A. Gayle Planetarium?s very own laser light show. These new equipments are in addition to its science and space programs, NASA exhibits and gift shop. The Planetarium is also an ideal venue for private events like birthdays, company meetings and parties.