CLEARLAKE — The president of the Children”s Museum of Art and Science (CMAS) held a meeting Wednesday night at Clearlake City Hall to get community input on the possible creation of a discovery museum and visitor center within the city.
CMAS President Carolynn Jarrett ran the meeting receiving input on how the project could acquire redevelopment funds from Steve Albright, executive director of redevelopment and interim city administrator for Clearlake.
District 2 Supervisor Jeff Smith attended as did Clearlake Mayor Joyce Overton to provide perspectives from the county and city.
About a dozen people from the community attended and gave input into how the project should begin to move forward.
Many suggestions arose about attractions at the future museum and visitor center, including an aquarium, a bird exhibit, canoe or kayak tours and rentals, and an archaeological archive for the county.
Many possible sites for the museum within Clearlake were discussed. Many said lakefront or close to the lake would be most desirable as well as having the facility be close to downtown to attract tourism.
The facility would also need plenty of space for parking to accommodate school buses.
A committee will be formed with Smith, Overton, Clearlake Chamber of Commerce representative Carolyn Shipley and John Parker, who has experience with local history and archaeology.
The committee will work with the CMAS board to begin looking at properties to either build on or acquire and renovate as well as look for funding and community partners for the project.
The committee will meet with the CMAS board at 6 p.m. on June 21 at Clearlake City Hall. The meeting is open to the public.
Kevin N. Hume can be reached at kevin.n.hume@gmail.com or call directly 263-5636 ext. 14.
