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Pavilion renovation begins at Crater
By Waymon Cox
Greetings from Crater of Diamonds State Park! This has certainly been a year of change for the Crater, with several ongoing projects that will ultimately lead to better experiences for all. Early in 2009 our visitor center closed for repairs, and our campground closed in late July for construction of new campsites. On Monday, November 30, we began yet another park renovation with the closure of the north washing pavilion. The north and south washing pavilions have long been popular spots for visitors to sluice diamond-bearing soil and search for gems. It’s remarkable to note that on many days, travelers from numerous states visit our park and work elbow to elbow with one another in these buildings. Few parks provide the opportunity for vacationers from all over the country to meet while enjoying such a unique recreational activity! The renovation of our north washing pavilion will further improve social conditions by accommodating more visitors than ever before.
Park maintenance workers remove water bins from north washing pavilion in preparation for upcoming renovations Monday.
Once complete, furnishings at the north washing pavilion will reflect those of the south pavilion, which was remodeled last winter. Long, blue sluicing troughs will house twice as many people as the old water bins, with an open, easily-accessible design. New tables and nearby benches will give visitors a chance to chat while searching for diamonds or sitting and taking a break. Barring any complications, this project should be complete by next spring, providing throngs of spring break diamond searchers with a larger area in which to work. This temporary inconvenience will no doubt serve future visitors better and hopefully lead to increasing diamond finds!
Once complete, the park's north washing pavilion will have the same furnishings as the south washing pavilion, renovated last winter.
Search area last plowed: October 20, 2009
Diamond finds for November 23 - 29, 2009 November 23 - Kenneth Shoemaker, Murfreesboro, AR, 1 pt. white, 1 pt. white, 1 pt. white November 24 - Billy Moore, Murfreesboro, AR, 5 pt. white, 14 pt. white; David Anderson, Kent City, MI, 2 pt. white, 10 pt. white November 25 - Mike Ellison, Kings Mountain, NC, 6 pt. white; Peyton McDaniel, Little Rock, AR, 35 pt. brown November 27 - Frederic Kendirgi, Fayetteville, AR, 10 pt. yellow, 13 pt. yellow November 28 - Paul Zertuche, San Antonio, TX, 86 pt. white November 29 - Ruben E. Castro, Fort Worth, TX, 12 pt. white; Billy Moore, Murfreesboro, AR, 4 pt. white, 6 pt. white |
209 State Park Road
Murfreesboro, AR 71958
Email: craterofdiamonds@arkansas.com
Phone: (870) 285-3113
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