News Releases for May 2002
May 14, 2002
Contact: Dave Borlaug, Lewis and Clark Foundation
(877) 462-8535
Paul Braun, Department of Transportation
(701) 328-4444
Hoeven Announces Major Recreational Project At Interpretive Center, Application For Project At Fort Mandan
BISMARCK, N.D. - Governor John Hoeven today announced a major North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) recreational project at the North Dakota Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, and a second related project at Fort Mandan, pending federal funding approval.
Harmony Park - a complex of walking trails, picnic and other recreational installations - will be constructed on the grounds of the Interpretive Center with a $200,000 grant from the North Dakota Department of Transportation. Also included in the plans is expansion of the parking lot at the facility. The grant is being matched by $50,000 from the North Dakota Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Foundation.
A second, related project, if approved by the U.S. Congress, would create a scenic walking/biking trail between the Interpretive Center and Fort Mandan, two miles distant. The NDDOT has included an $800,000 funding request for the trail in its current budget request to U.S. Congress.
“The Lewis & Clark Center and Fort Mandan are central to North Dakota’s plans to commemorate the Bicentennial of the Corps of Discovery,” Hoeven said. “We want to ensure that visitors have a great commemorative experience of this remarkable historical event, and also of North Dakota’s extraordinary natural beauty.”
The name Harmony Park comes from Meriwether Lewis’s journal entry on the day of departure from Fort Mandan, on April 7, 1805, when he wrote: “The party are in excellent health and spirits, zealously attached to the enterprise, and anxious to proceed; not a whisper of murmur or discontent to be heard among them, but all act in unison, and with the most perfect harmony.”
“Since the original construction of this world-class facility in 1997, and with its expansion just last year, our Department has taken pride in helping make possible a warm welcome for the thousands of visitors coming to this attraction,” said Dave Sprynczynatyk, Director of the North Dakota Department of Transportation.
Designed by the engineering firm of Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson of Bismarck, the Harmony Park complex will include expanded parking, picnic areas, walking trails and a plaza for the statues of Lewis & Clark and Chief Sheheke, being produced by Washburn sculptor Tom Neary. Many of these enhancements will be phased in over a period of a year or more.
Construction is expected to be completed later this summer, according to Foundation President David Borlaug, who expressed his appreciation to Governor Hoeven and the Department of Transportation. “It is so gratifying to know that others recognize the significance of our sites, both the Center and Fort Mandan. Governor Hoeven and the Department of Transportation have been great partners, and we look forward to continuing our relationship. Most importantly, our visitors will enjoy the results of this continued partnership.”
The proposed trail from the Center to Fort Mandan, if approved, would be fully funded under the request to Congress. The multi-use trail would be used not only by visitors to the Center and Fort Mandan, but also by local residents and campers at the Western North Dakota 4-H Camp. It will ultimately connect with the system of trails planned for the City of Washburn. The request is being made through the U.S. House Transportation Subcommittee on Appropriations. If approved by Congress, construction is expected to begin next spring.
The trail funds would go to McLean County, as proposed by the Foundation and NDDOT, during a presentation by Borlaug and Ben Kubischta of the Local Government Division of the Department to County Commissioners today.
Borlaug requested that the Commission adopt the trail as the County’s contribution to the Bicentennial commemoration, by working with the Foundation to provide for its maintenance.
“The Lewis and Clark Expedition represents one of the most important events in the American experience, and the people and places of North Dakota were key players in the drama of our nation’s history,” Hoeven said. “It is exciting to see the people of our state and counties stepping forward, as they did two hundred years ago, to recreate this important event.”
The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and Fort Mandan are both open seven days a week, with current hours 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Beginning Memorial Day weekend, hours are expanded to 7:00 p.m. For more information, call the Foundation at 877-462-8535.
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