LAKE COUNTY — The clouds broke in enough time for the groundbreaking ceremony for the Education Pavilion in Clear Lake State Park on Saturday afternoon.
More than 160 people attended the event that began at 3:30 p.m. and lasted until around 6:30 p.m.
Music was provided by Tom Nixon and his band.
Madelene Lyon, president of the Clear Lake State Park Interpretive Association (CLSPIA) said the event was a tremendous success.
“The enthusiasm regarding the park was wonderful,” she said.
According to Ruth Coleman, State Parks Director, the Education Pavilion was inspired by the Patrick”s Point model except it is upgraded with more features.
“I”m really excited to see it moving forward. The budget has been signed and now we can start signing contracts,” Coleman said. “We hope to make this a magnet to school groups.”
Robert Foster, District Superintendent of the Northern Buttes District, California Parks and Recreation said he thinks the programs that will be offered will be instrumental in getting youth and families away from the television, video games, out of the house and back to nature.
The cost of the project is $183,000. California State Parks set aside $60,000 more than three years ago for the project.
The remaining $123,000 of the needed funds is supplied by CLSPIA, according to Lyon.
“I am so grateful to the whole community over the last three and a half years. It”s the community cooperation that makes this possible,” Lyon said.
Vendors at the event included 15 Lake County wineries and nine food vendors.
Lyon and friends created 230 truffles which were the perfect sweet ending to the evening.
Breaking ground for the event were: Madelene Lyon, President of the Clear Lake State Park Interpretive Association, Wilda Shock represented Keeling Barnes family foundation, Congressman Mike Thompson, State Parks Director Ruth Coleman, District 5 Supervisor Rob Brown, Director of California Conservation Corps Mark Covella, Myren Holdenreid represented the Dorn family, Steven Brookes represented the Priest family charitable fund and Park Ranger Ryen Goering.
Mandy Feder can be reached at mfeder@record-bee.com.
