W.A. Gayle Planetarium temporarily closing

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - The W.A. Gayle Planetarium in Montgomery will close its doors for a while starting next week.

Planetarium director Rick Evans posted on Facebook the closure will be effective June 1 and will continue until further notice.

The announcement follows a decision to transfer the planetarium’s management from Troy University to the city of Montgomery, which goes into effect May 31. The facility will remain closed while the new management resolves staffing and operational procedures to comply with city policies.

Management told WSFA 12 News the parks and recreation department has been working with the planetarium team to develop a plan to continue operations. They hope to resume operations next month.

Troy University has operated the W.A. Gayle Planetarium for the past 50 years.

Evans said questions about the planetarium’s future may be directed to the mayor’s office at 334-625-2002.

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