As if on queue, a pair of Canada geese flew overhead Thursday morning just as Murray school and city officials unveiled plans for the Kennecott Environmental Center.
Kennecott Utah Copper Corp. will contribute $100,000 to the project, which will be combined with contributions from individuals, Chevron Pipeline Co., Intermountain Electrical Association, DeMass Surveys, LaVar McMillan and general contractor Jerry Watts.Construction on the 1,600-square-foot structure, to be built along the Jordan River Parkway at about 4900 South, will begin once builders receive government permits. The building could be completed by late fall, officials said.
The building will include a large classroom equipped with various laboratory equipment, storage areas and restrooms. The structure will be built-in subterraneanly, to maximize views of the Jordan River and adjacent wetlands. The roof of the building will serve as an observation point.
Architect Jim Allred, who has also contributed his services, said the building will fold into the landscape. "We'll let nature be the focal point here, not the building," he said.
The announcement culminates a three-year community campaign to develop the educational center.
Since 1960, half of the nation's wetlands have been lost, said Murray school board member Mildred Horton.
"When I learned that, I was sad. I thought to myself, how sad for us as people to let that happen. Then I got really happy that I have been involved in a project to preserve one of the most beautiful wetlands I have ever seen. I can testify to that because I walk here every morning," she said.
Murray officials expect to send a busload of students to the center once a day, as elementary, middle and high school students learn more about the riverway and ecosystems.
Murray High ecology teacher Staci England said the center will provide a wealth of learning experiences for Murray students.
One student, who was not identified by England, wrote students would prefer to learn outdoors "than spend 180 days inside a stuffy classroom."