The interpretive center at the popular Mines of Spain Recreation Area in Dubuque is slated to get a facelift. Alan Foster with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources says the project begins Wednesday (September 9th).
He says they will shut the interpretive center down and create a 7,400 square foot addition to the center and they will also renovate the current center. Foster says the improved center will have several new features.
There will be new aquariums and some expanded opportunities for kids, some hands on learning, and they will also put in classrooms that schools can use. Foster says the former site of lead mines has been popular place to visit. He says it’s probably one of the D.N.R.’s busiest facilities with lots of nature-based activities going on every month.
Foster says the new addition and renovation will help make the programs even more enjoyable. Foster says it will take about six months to complete the changes. Foster says they hope to see it open by mid-April of 2010 and it will basically be a brand new facility when it is open again.
Foster says the one-point-five-million dollar project is being funded in part by donations. The trails around the Mines of Spain will still be open for use during the expansion and renovation.