For immediate release - September 3, 2021
Press contact: Jessica VanGinhoven, (616) 994-4716

MEDIA ADVISORY - SPECIAL EVENT

Public Observatory Groundbreaking Ceremony

Date and time: September 11, 6:30 pm Ι Location: Hemlock Crossing County Park

Join us for a groundbreaking ceremony of the public observatory at Hemlock Crossing Park!

September 11, 6:30-7 pm | Hemlock Crossing

Construction will begin this fall on West Michigan’s first public observatory, which will be located at Hemlock Crossing County Park. The facility will be operated in partnership with the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association.

This project has been many years in the making with donors coming together through the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association to fundraise for the 15-foot diameter observatory building with a 16-inch, permanently mounted telescope.

Following the ceremony, the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association will be offering an Astronomy Basics class at the Nature Center from 7-8 pm. There will be an opportunity for stargazing if the sky is clear from 8-9 pm. 

The Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association is a group of individuals with a common interest in astronomy. They promote science and astronomy in West Michigan through public outreach initiatives in partnership with Ottawa County Parks, the Holland State Park, Hope College, the Holland Museum, local libraries, parks, public schools and other astronomical societies. Learn more: https://www.holland-saaa.org/