Exploration Station

Posted by Richard L. Roberts 
 

     During her introduction as president of the Exploration Station Board of Directors, Peggy Hoobery was presented with a bouquet of  flowers and thanked for all she contributes to the success of our Club; Burdine printing, owned by Peggy, has comped our bulletin each week for the last five years. Thank you, Peggy!  Assisting in the Exploration Station story was Deborah Love, volunteer Executive Director of the Exploration Station.

 

     The building is currently empty to allow new interior construction, the building of science modules, new floors, newly painted walls and a general remodeling. The South County Family Education and CulturalCenter was incorporated in 1999. A public benefit, non profit organization designed to establish an educational and cultural complex consisting of a children's museum (Exploration Station), historical museum, community library and a children's performing arts center. The children's Exploration Station and the Community Library are currently in operation; all resulting from the vision and support of Cliff & Mary Lee Clark. John Shoals and Richard Roberts added that the Ramona Specific Plan, adopted by the city, envisions a physical connection, a pedestrian walkway, between the RamonaGardensPark and the Exploration Station to create an educational, cultural and recreational complex. The first phase is currently under construction, a transit bus center on Ramona between 9th and 10th streets.

     The Exploration Station is designed to spark the imagination and creativity of youth. They offer classes for youth and adults, such as CPR, Super Sitter, arts/crafts, guitar, computer use and science, etc; but, the heart of their operation will be the new interactive science center for kids; science exhibits that will inspire and educate. Another major program that is offered is the Computer 4 Youth, a program that collects, repairs and distributes computers to low income families- over 1800 computers have thus far been distributed; recipients are also given instruction on how to use the computer. Another like tech program is their E-Waste Recycling program that encourages the recycling of electronic waste in an environmentally responsible manner. Over 15 tons have been collected.

      Their operation is dependent upon donations, grants, fund raisers, bequests and endowments. Peggy and Deborah encourage people to come forward to sponsor programs, scholarships, events and the new science exhibits. Peggy said, "We operate this facility with volunteers and we need more of them. We especially need you if you are creative and would like to help organize and help build our science modules we have planned."  They currently have a very active Board of Directors and they have two vacancies on the Board for which they are encouraging people to apply. They are planning for a grand opening celebration to showcase their science modules and the results of their remodeling efforts sometime in October. Watch for the date. For more information call Peggy, 489-4910 or Deborah, 473-1421 or www.explorationstation.org.