Crews have been hard at work at the new Randell Center education pavilion over the winter months. As seen in the accompanying photo, much of the structure was nearing completion in early February, including the public restrooms and water fountain, the big, open activity deck, and a covered bench area.

photo of building with porch
Work on the first phase of the RRC’s education pavilion was nearly completed in February when this photo was taken. Photo by John Worth

An inclined walkway leads to the pavilion from the new graveled parking area adjacent to Waterfront Drive, which includes two bus parking areas and ample car parking. In addition, perimeters are being cleared and fencing is being installed around the entire RRC parcel open to the public.

Meanwhile, Synergy Design Group of Tallahassee is working to complete a series of new interpretive trail signs that will be installed this summer along the improved walking trail system at the RRC, which will itself include an improved footbridge and boardwalk sections, as well as expanded observation platforms on top of Brown’s Mound. By the end of the summer, the RRC will look very different than it did only a year ago, but it should be remembered that we are still about $140,000 short of our total project cost, and until those funds are raised, the classroom, gift shop, and storage rooms cannot be finished.

This article was taken from the Friends of the Randell Research Center Newsletter Vol 3, No. 1. March 2004.