Mines of Spain, Dr. Olk, request Letter of support
FRIENDS of the MINES of SPAIN
8991 Bellevue Hts.
Dubuque, IA 52003-9214-
(563) 556-0620
www.minesofspain.Ot"g
December 7,2005
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
City of Dubuque
City Hall-50 W. 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
The Friends of the Mines of Spain is seeking private, state and federal funds to expand the E. B.
Lyons Interpretive Center at the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area to include more space for
educational purposes. The expansion would double the existing center, adding a multi-purpose
room for programs and events, a biology lab for school programs, a library for reference and
educational materials, and new exhibits interpreting the science and history of the region.
The Interpretive Center is owned by the City of Dubuque and is managed by the Iowa
Department of Natural Resources. The Friends group assists the Mines of Spain Park Staff in the
administering of the Mines of Spain and the E. B. Lyons Interpretive Center. The Friends of the
Mines of Spain is a non-profit corporation organized to inform and educate the public on nature,
ecology, conservation, greenbelt concept, natural history, archeology, and current events
pertaining to the Mines of Spain.
The Friends of the Mines of Spain respectfully requests a letter of support from the City of
Dubuque for the expansion project that we can include with future funding requests.
We are applying for several grants at this time, and would appreciate a letter of support before
the end of December. Due to the short time frame, we have enclosed a suggested draft for a letter
of support. Thank you for considering our request.
Sincerely,
6f!!!~
President, Friends of the Mines of Spain
enclosure
cc: Michael Van Milligen, City Manager
Gil Spence, Leisure Services Manager
Wayne Buchholz, Mines of Spain Park Ranger
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December 7,2005
Douglas G. Olk, M.D.
President
Friends of the Mines of Spain
8991 Bellevue Heights
Dubuque, IA 52003
Dear Dr. Olk:
The City of Dubuque supports the Friends of the Mines of Spain in their plan to expand the E. B.
Lyons Interpretive Center at the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area to include more space for
educational purposes. The expansion would double the existing center, adding a multi-purpose
room for programs and events, a biology lab for school programs, a library for reference and
educational materials, and new exhibits interpreting the science and history of the region.
The Interpretive Center is owned by the City of Dubuque and is managed by the Iowa
Department of Natural Resources, with administrative assistance from the Friends group.
The E. B. Lyons Interpretive Expansion Project is consistent with the following objectives of the
City of Dubuque's 2002 Comprehensive Plan:
. Encourage opportunities for personal, educational, cultural and recreational enrichment.
. Explore, preserve and interpret for present and future generations, the history of Dubuque
and the Mississippi River.
Thanks to you and the other Friends of the Mines of Spain for your initiative in undertaking this
exciting project that will add to the economy and quality oflife in our community.
Sincerely,
Terrance M. Duggan
Mayor
cc: Michael Van Milligen, City Manager
Wayne Buchholz, Mines of Spain Park Ranger