Grand Opening of Science and Learning Center
NPS Digest
Dept. of the Interior
National Park Service
Crater Lake National Park
August 24, 2006
The grand opening of the new Crater Lake Science and Learning Center will take place today.
Crater Lake National Park is one of America’s oldest national parks and has been a source of public enjoyment and inspiration for over 100 years. Millions of Americans have gazed on the sublime beauty of Crater Lake, but few realize that under this beautiful veneer lies an outstanding outdoor laboratory and classroom – a place that draws scientist, teachers and students to investigate, instruct and learn from and about our natural world. From scenery to science and education, the park’s value to society is expanding.
The idea for this new Center was born from the collective vision of the park and its partners to establish Crater Lake National Park as a wellspring for research information, a proving ground for educational techniques and a source of inspiration for artistic
expression. By supporting scientists and their investigations, we will discover more and more about this special park. By connecting scientists with teachers and artists and in turn with students and the visiting public, Crater Lake National Park will become a focal point for lifelong learning and inspiration.
The final renovations to two park historic structures – the original superintendent’s residence and the chief naturalist’s residence – have been completed. These buildings provide office and residential facilities for Center patrons. In addition, visiting scientists, teachers, artists and students will have access to conference facilities, workspace, laboratories, library facilities and museum collections in the park to support their work.
The Crater Lake Science and Learning Center was established to mold a new future and expand the value of the park beyond its spectacular scenery. It was created from dreams and imagination and made real through the perseverance and hard work of the park’s staff and its many partners. It is sustained through generous public and private financial support including entrance fees and private donations, as well as generous donations from the JELD-WEN Foundation and The Kinsman Foundation. The Center is operated in collaboration with the Oregon Institute of Technology and Southern Oregon University.
Crater Lake has joined a small, but growing network of other National Park Service research learning centers across the country that are working together to facilitate research and provide educational opportunities for everyone. This new facility is for the scientist, teacher, student and artist. We welcome them here to lend their talent, share their discoveries, and teach the lessons that will inspire the next generation to explore, learn more and enrich us all.
For more information contact: Crater Lake Science and Learning Center, Crater Lake National Park, P.O. Box 7, Crater Lake, OR 97604. The phone number is 541-594-3000; the web site is www.nps.gov/crla.
Contact Information
Name: Michael Justin
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