Clear Lake State Park Interpretive Association (CLSPIA) Board President Madelene Lyon, California State Park Director Ruth Coleman and CLSPIA Board Member Neil Towne. Photo courtesy of CLSPIA.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – More than 100 people celebrated the dedication of the outdoor education pavilion at Clear Lake State Park on Saturday, April 2.

Host Neil Towne, a board member of the Clear Lake State Park Interpretive Association (CLSPIA), introduced the series of guest speakers.

Each was involved in establishing and maintaining the liaison created to ensure completion of this important addition to the outdoor education program at the local park.

They were Congressman Mike Thompson, state Assemblyman Wes Chesbro, California State Park Director Ruth Coleman, Clear Lake State Park Superintendent William Salata and CLSPIA Board President Madelene Lyon.

In her comments, Coleman noted that CLSPIA’s, strong, ongoing performance as a cooperating association has played a key role in keeping Clear Lake State Park open during state budget negotiations.

“Madelene Lyon has demonstrated outstanding leadership,” Coleman said.

All of the speakers stressed the value of providing young people with a facility that will bring them into close contact with the natural world.

“Your support of this project,” Chesbro reminded the audience of adults, “reflects the faith and hope you have in young people to take up the task of protecting and preserving the environment for the future.”

CLSPIA underwrites the offering of school programs, in the classroom and field trips at the park, and the Junior Ranger program.

Park Aide Val Nixon, who oversees the educational programs, commented that she is looking forward to expanding the range of activities the outdoor pavilion will enable.

“We will need to increase the number of volunteers in order to ensure an appropriate student/adult ratio,” said Nixon.

Teachers interested in scheduling either a classroom program or a field trip can call the park office at 707-279-2267.

Individuals who would like to train to work with students also can call the park office.

Jeff Lyon of Lakeport, Northern Buttes District Superintendent Marilyn Linkem and CLSPIA Board Member Brad Barnwell watch as Julia Lyon tries out one of the new electronic microscopes. Photo courtesy of CLSPIA

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Written by: Marcia Sanderson

Published: 05 April 2011