You are about to view a dream come true for a determined group of C.S.O. volunteers. This has been the largest project the Hontoon Island C.S.O. has ever undertaken. C.S.O. volunteers Joanne Schlienz and Jeanne Michael helped open and staff the original visitors center. Through their determination the Island have a center the public could view during regular park hours, we have come to this beautiful end.

The C.S.O. has been raising money for years through yard sales, donations, and a percentage of sales from the park store. The dream of a new center looked very far in the future until the decision was made to try a grant.

Jim Schlienz took charge of composing and sending out over 200 grant letters. After numerous rejections the C.S.O. had all but given up on receiving help. Then one day the phone rang. The Taishoff Family Foundation called to ask for more information about the project. A few days later a $10,000 check arrived with a promise of another $50,000 to follow. With this money in place the project was eligible for a $40,000 grant from the States Partners in Parks program. Wilderness Graphics, a Tallahassee based company that had drawn up the new design, was hired to bring the center to reality. Then on June 28th, the ribbon cutting took place and the dream was open to the public.

The C.S.O. members are excited about the opportunity the visitors center will have to teach the park guests about the history and diverse resources of Hontoon Island State Park.

Sincere thanks go to the Taishoff Family Foundation, Jim and Joanne Schlienz, Jeanne Michael, Jim Read, Past President of the C.S.O. for six years and more, Danny Paul Park Manager, and project manager, Sherry McGowan, Cody Assistant Park Manager, Park Rangers, board members and all members of the C.S.O.

The cooperation of this dedicated group made this dream come true. The C.S.O. hopes you enjoy the following pictures of the Taishoff Family Foundation Visitors Center. Click on the pictures to enlarge them for a better view. Better yet, come to the Island to see the Visitor Center. You will enjoy it even more.