ECP History

We recently found these photos that were taken in 2000 as plans were being formulated for new (or remodeled) facilities in the park. At that time, the Lilly Lodge was to be the site of the Earth Music Center, the Peace Learning Center was to move to the Stable or Ranger Station, and the Earth Discovery Center was to be in the Peace Learning Center Building. Within a year or two, those plans were determined to not be feasible (possibly due to the condition of the buildings). Plans then were put forward and fundraising began for a new Earth Discovery Center that eventually opened in 2007. Peace Learning Center stayed where it remains today and the other 3 buildings were removed. The Nature Center was remodeled as the Ornithology Center, which opened in 2009.

The pond near the Ornithology Center was built in the 1930s when J.K. Lilly, Jr. owned the property. The first photo is from that time. Click on the others for dates. This fall, volunteers from the park and community along with our trail crew, drained the pond and cleared out muck and leaves that had accumulated over many years. Next year, they will complete work to seal the concrete bottom and restore the reflecting pool.