Rock of Ages Lake Edited: 2000 characters
The project scope is to expand our existing recreational, nature, and health awareness community area already owned by the organization. This 20-acre parcel has walkways and other amenities already existing and is utilized daily by the greater community. The existing walkways would remain as part of the overall design. The design will construct an 8-10-foot dam on the east and south edges of the proposed area to create a catch basin to store water runoff that presently goes through the property in the rainy season. Additional walkways and natural access to the waterway would be created to help maintain the area and access for education purposes. The waterway would have areas that are 10-12 feet deep and then other areas that are shallow for use of various animal and plant life. Willamette MBA Community Grant focuses totally on the educational component.
The design would also create controls for flooding and other water flow problems. By storing water and have designed releases will help with downstream flooding.
The developing waterway would cover approximately 15 acres to produce a multi-generational K-12 education and outdoor area. The design will be to partner with both public and private schools, where students will be exposed to nature and other environmental awareness programs. Rock of Ages-Valley View has already developed an intern/work study program for students. Our retired residents living in our community, who are educated with varying degrees, will volunteer to create an intergenerational attraction for educational purposes.
The goal would be to work with OSU Extension office located in McMinnville to help create native plant life. We also will work with other educational institutions to develop fish and wildlife habitat.
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Investing in the lives of youth is the greatest impact. The local school serves 5000 students promoting multicultural awareness and critical thinking, building on students’ prior knowledge and life experiences. The curriculum will expose students to biology, science, wildlife management and other studies that promote career tracks for students.
It is our goal that the outdoor experience impacts all students in the county by working with organizations including OSU Extension office, area schools, colleges and other agencies.
The enhanced intergenerational factor creates new experiences including combining the young and old for an intergenerational experience. Elders have information that they can share with young people. By sharing, senior citizens become more aware of their self-worth and value to young people’s lives and students learn to respect the knowledge base of older people.
The overall impact of the area on the environment has several positive effects supporting fish, water fowl and other wildlife habitat. The site will have a greater impact by supporting wildlife and providing an educational opportunity.
In addition, the area west of McMinnville experiences seasonal fire danger. The stored water in the lake would provide water to local fire departments for fighting fires.