The Friends of the Mines of Spain received a special award Sept. 5, during the National Association of State Park Directors conference last week for its role in the $1.8 million expansion that doubled the size of the E. B. Lyons Interpretive Center, added the auditorium, a biology lab, library, and new exhibits interpreting the science and history of the region. The Friends of Mines of Spain also provided funding for restoration of the Julien Dubuque Monument, funding for many park repairs and maintenance and funding for a recently purchased tract of land near the E. B. Lyons Interpretive Center. The land will be developed with parking lots, shelter, restroom, ADA Trail, the Americas State Tree Woodland Walk and other amenities.The conference was held in Dubuque last week at the Grand River Center.
“Each state park system is uniquely blessed with passionate support from their communities. Thousands of people and groups devote their time, talents, and resources to the parks they love. This is just one way of thanking them,” said NASPD President Priscilla Geigis.
