State gives $1 million for Clayton’s Mitchell Canyon visitor center
CLAYTON, CA (Sept. 29, 2023) — Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) visited the future home of the Mitchell Canyon Education Center on Sept. 20, to present $1 million to the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association (MDIA).
MDIA is partnering with California State Parks to build a 1,500 sq. ft. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified education center and outdoor pavilion. The center will offer a range of educational possibilities, providing invaluable experience for area school children and delivering in-depth information about the mountain to visitors.
“I’m thrilled to be presenting this funding, which will mark a pivotal step toward enhancing educational opportunities, facilitating better access and enriching the visitor experience at Mount Diablo,” Bauer-Kahan said. “As chair of the Assembly’s Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee, I understand how crucial open space and nature are for our quality of life here in California, and I am proud of how this partnership will draw more visitors to Mount Diablo.”
The Education Center will house permanent and rotating exhibits, fostering an immersive and dynamic learning environment. Additionally, it will feature an audio-visual area to enhance the educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Connecting to natural wonder
“A central objective of the Education Center is to cater to underrepresented students in Contra Costa County, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to connect with the natural wonders of Mount Diablo,” said MDIA president Steve Smith. “This funding will allow us to continue on the path to meeting that objective and better serving this community. We are grateful to Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan for her support in securing this $1 million in state funding.”
California State Parks is also excited about the funding to help provide for the health, inspiration and education of visitors to Mount Diablo State Park. The funds will go toward educating visitors about the extraordinary natural and cultural resources of the mountain and its opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation for all Californians.
For more information, visit mdia.org or parks.ca.gov.