Lake Havasu City Council approves phase 2 design work for Environmental Learning Center using America's Best Communities funds

The Lake Havasu City Council on Oct. 22 approved Amendment No. 1 to an architectural services agreement with Jones Studio Inc., clearing the way for phase 2 design and fundraising materials for the proposed Environmental Learning Center (ELC).

The amendment, moved by Councilmember Jim Dolan and seconded by Councilmember Gordon Groat, passed 6–1. The contract amendment directs remaining America's Best Communities (ABC) funds allocated to Pillar 4 to be used for phase 2 work, which includes schematic design, site layout, programming details, cost estimates and marketing collateral to support fundraising.

The ELC is a Vision 2020 project that received part of the city’s $2 million ABC award. Charlie Cassens, speaking for Pillar 4, told the council the center must be a city-run facility because of Recreation and Public Purposes Act requirements and that phase 2 will produce “the collateral materials” needed to approach potential partners and grantors. “Phase 2 is critical to our ability to garner those potential partners,” Cassens said during the hearing.

Why it matters: supporters say the center would make Lake Havasu City a regional clearinghouse for Colorado River…