Date: November 9, 2016
Contact: Brandon Cadwell, 509-754-7866
2016 is the centennial year for the National Park Service (NPS). In commemoration of this significant milestone, Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area held numerous events throughout the year. The goal was to bring communities together not only in celebration, but bring awareness of the NPS site they have right in their own backyard.
In addition to attending local boat shows and fairs throughout the spring and summer, park staff participated in the Lilac Parade in Spokane, WA showcasing one of the park’s patrol boats and vehicles.
In June, staff attended the Columbia High School graduation in Hunters, WA. The fifteen graduating students had been actively involved with the park’s education program, The River Mile, since they were in elementary school. Park Superintendent Dan Foster spoke at the commencement ceremony to talk about the impact these students have made in researching and studying the Columbia River watershed. Graduates were gifted a certificate of participation and a Lake Roosevelt park coin to commemorate their achievement and involvement with The River Mile.
On July 1-4th, the park hosted the “Inspired by the National Parks” quilt show featuring 177 art quilts depicting the flora, fauna, and landscapes of all 59 national parks. On August 25th, the 100th birthday of the NPS, the park held a Naturalization Ceremony at the historic Fort Spokane Visitor Center. Park Staff and visitors watched as 40 individuals became new American citizens after taking their Oath of Allegiance. Accompanying the ceremony were a solar viewing station, paper making, boat tours and other activities.
Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area hopes to continue engaging our communities and fostering unique connections to the park.
