Since reopening in April 2024 with a complete refresh of its exhibits, the Utility Exploration Center (UEC) has become a community hub for hands on learning. Attendance has risen by an extraordinary 63%, with more than 52,000 visitors compared to the usual 32,000. On opening day alone, over 1,000 people came to experience the new space.
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Hands-on discovery that brings Roseville’s utilities to life
The transformation goes beyond a fresh coat of paint. The UEC blends interactive fun, modern technology, and real-world connections to the utilities that keep Roseville running. Families, students, and curious minds of all ages can:
Climb into a garbage truck
See what it feels like behind the wheel of a city favorite.
Sort trash and recycling
Learn how we process everything using a single bin system.
Meet the microorganisms
Discover how biological processes remove waste from water.
Explore electricity
See how renewables and efficiency power Roseville sustainably.

Highlights from this past year
7,500
students visited during the UEC’s busiest school year ever
11,500+
children and families joined the ever popular Storytime
1,000+
participants attended hands on workshops
“Visitors love it,” said Brayden Mitchell, UEC supervisor. “These exhibits are getting people talking and thinking, and that’s the goal. We want them to walk away with a better understanding of what keeps their community running.”
The learning does not stop at the center. UEC staff also visit classrooms, bringing real-world lessons on water, energy, and waste systems to middle school students in Roseville.

“We are not just a building,” Mitchell added. “We are a bridge between the community and the utility systems they rely on daily.”
Learning that extends beyond the walls
Beyond the exhibit hall, the UEC brings learning to life through hands on programs that connect everyday choices to big community impacts. Visitors can dig into water wise gardening tips in the Inspiration Garden just outside the center, climb into a garbage truck during the fan favorite Big Trucks Summer series, and join free workshops on boosting energy efficiency or adding solar at home. These experiences give families and students practical tools they can take back into their daily lives, reinforcing the value of sustainable living in Roseville.
Haven’t stopped by yet? Now is the time. From special events to everyday learning opportunities, there is always something new to discover. For hours, events, and upcoming how-to workshops, visit
roseville.ca.us/explore.