Education Center History and Timeline
In 1999, a group of community leaders, concerned citizens, and educators united to discuss, plan and develop a strategy to realize the vision of an education center in the West Eugene Wetlands. The Bureau of Land Management, City of Eugene, Bethel School District, Eugene 4J School District and WREN have continued to show support for this effort. In September 2005, representatives from these entities reinforced their commitment by signing an Education Center Partnership statement.
Spring 2009-Conditional Use Permit approved
Spring 2008-Master Planning completed.
March 2007-The final Public Planning and Design Process kicks off with community focus groups to capture changes in knowledge and information within the areas in sustainability, the site ecology, interpretation, education, transportation and accessibility since the initial business plan (2003), architectural designs (2004), and program document (2005) were developed.
2007-Public capital campaign launched, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Susan Castillo announced as chair.
December 2006-In the early morning hours of December 9th, 2006, the 109th Congress passed the Eugene Land Conveyance Act, directing the Secretary of Interior to transfer 12.5 acres of land administered by the Bureau of Land Management at West 11th and Danebo Ave to the City of Eugene, exclusively for the purpose of building an education center.
November 2006-The West Eugene Wetlands Partnership hired Rowell-Brokaw Architects as the lead design architect team
November 2006-City of Eugene Parks and Open Space Bond Measure 20-110 has passed by a wide margin! This bond measure brings $1.75 million to the West Eugene Wetlands Education Center Project.
