The Education Pavilion at Clear Lake State Park near Kelseyville, Calif., soon will fill with the voices of children and adults exploring at the wonders of nature and the out-of-doors. Photo by Stephen Stetzer.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Years of work by the Clear Lake State Park Interpretive Association to bring a new education pavilion to Clear Lake State Park will reach completion in a special weekend dedication ceremony.

The Clear Lake State Park Education Pavilion will officially open on Saturday, April 2, during a public dedication ceremony which association board President Madelene Lyon will open at 2 p.m.

On hand for the dedication will be Congressman Mike Thompson, an advocate and supporter during the six years it has taken to bring the project to completion, State Parks Director Ruth Coleman, Assemblyman Wesley Chesbro, Northern Buttes District Superintendent Marilyn Linkem and Clear Lake Sector Superintendent Bill Salata.

Early in 2005 the board of directors of the nonprofit, volunteer-led Clear Lake State Park Interpretive Association (CLSPIA) voted to undertake the building of a new facility to support and enhance the environmental educational programs offered at the park on Soda Bay Road near Kelseyville.

As news of the project spread, collaboration with individuals, park visitors and community organizations developed to assist with funding.

Major donors to the project included the Keeling-Barnes Family Foundation, Wildhurst Vineyards, Brad and Kathy Barnwell, William and Roberta Beat, the California State Park Foundation, D.A. and Leona Butts, Henry and Dorothy Hurkett, Madelene and Walt Lyon, Ernie Mendes, Dorothy Meyer, Tom and Val Nixon, Brad Onorato, the Priest Family Charitable Fund, Rotary Club of Lakeport, Grant Cary Family, Thrivent, Neil and Bobbi Towne, and Tom and Tina Wasson.

The education pavilion has been built in partnership with the California State Department of Parks and Recreation.

CLSPIA volunteer Bud Hurkett prepared the initial blue print draft for presentation to the state in late 2005.

When the plans reached Coleman's desk, she signaled her support by setting aside funds within the department’s budget specifically for the pavilion.

Even as state budget cuts occurred during the ensuring years, Coleman made sure the funds for the building remained intact.

The California Conservation Corps team based in Ukiah did the construction.

The ceremony will be at the pavilion, across the street from the visitor center at Clear Lake State Park, located at 5300 Soda Bay Road.

A large parking lot is adjacent to the area. There will be no entrance fee for those attending this event.

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