For Immediate Release Contact: Wendy Fox

February 22, 2007 617-626-1453

STATE ANNOUNCES PUBLIC FORUM TO DISCUSS DEVELOPMENT OF

SOUTHCOAST DISCOVERY CENTER IN FALL RIVER HERITAGE STATE PARK

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today announced that it will hold a public forum regarding the development of the new SouthCoast Discovery Center at Fall River Heritage State Park. DCR is seeking input on the project from all interested parties.

The forum will be held Thursday, March 1, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. at Fall River Heritage State Park, 200 Davol St., Fall River, and will be facilitated by the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute.

The forum will consist of a screening of the video Fabric of Fall River, followed by a reception. Facilitator Jody Hensley will attempt to solicit input and stimulate a discussion about the future SouthCoast Discovery Center, including the best ways to involve all interested parties in the development and operation of this new tourist destination.

DCR’s vision for the SouthCoast Discovery Center includes static and changing exhibits, as well as space for meetings, banquets and other functions. There would also be a continuous video presentation in the 125-seat theater featuring short films about local natural, historic and cultural attractions, interspersed with information for tourists and visitors.

The new Discovery Center will be created by renovating and renaming the Park’s Visitors Center. Made possible in part by the Friends of Fall River Heritage State Park’s contributions, the project is now feasible due to the recently-completed repairs to the Visitors Center that will allow it to remain open year-round.

For more information, contact DCR South Coast District Manager Renee Tavares at 508-675-3455 or Renee.Tavares@state.ma.us.

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