On Thursday, April 3, the Randell Research Center held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new teaching facility to be built at the Pineland archaeological site.

five people holding shovels for the ground breaking ceremony
Left to right: Steve Stans, John Worth, Warren Miller, Stuart Brown, and Bill Marquardt formally break ground for the new teaching complex at Pineland. Photo by Karen Walker

As more than 80 people looked on, Steve Stans, representing the Stans Foundation, which granted $105,000 toward the project, plunged a shell digging tool into the dirt, symbolically breaking ground for the facility that he helped fund. It was probably the first time in over 300 years that such a tool has been used there. Joining Steve in the ground- breaking were Warren Miller, representing the Maple Hill Foundation; Stuart Brown, Chair of the RRC Advisory Board; John Worth, RRC Coordinator; and Bill Marquardt, RRC Director.

Before the groundbreaking, Bill gave a brief history of the Southwest Florida Project and previous research and education at Pineland, John spoke about the programs of the RRC today, and Florida Museum of Natural History director Doug Jones talked about our vision for the future. Comments were then made by Ray Judah, Chair of the Lee County Board of County Commissioners; D. T. Minich, Lee Island Coast Visitor and Convention Bureau; Sally Tapager, Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce; Paul Miller, Maple Hill Foundation; and Steve Stans, The Stans Foundation.

people sitting listening to a speaker
A group of more than 80 listens as Bill Marquardt talks about our first 20 years of research and education in southwest Florida. Photo by Karen Walker

Enough money is now in hand to build the parking area, handicapped-accessible restrooms, an activity deck, and an interpreted walking trail. The trail project is supported by a grant from the Florida Department of State. Additional funds of $222,403 are needed to complete the project, which will include a classroom seating 50 people, a book and gift shop, and storage space for equipment and teaching materials. “When the pavilion is finished, we will be able to teach classes, show videos, and give public programs on archaeology and ecology,” said Bill Marquardt. “We’ve done research in this area for 20 years, and now we will have a comfortable, accessible place to teach people what we have learned.”

“The ample deck and classroom will give a whole new dimension to our programs for students, local residents, and tourists, and make it possible for us to reach many more people,” said John Worth. “Now we’ll have a safe, comfortable place out of the sun for our programs. And visitors will be able to walk the site on their own, to learn about the past or just to enjoy a pleasant outdoor experience.”

Bill added that “none of this would have happened without community support and funding from both private and public sources. In addition to the Stans Foundation, the Maple Hill Foundation, other gifts, and the state matching funds, many people have donated their time and professional services. Lee County bought property that provides our office and lab space. And the University of Florida funds a position for John Worth, our coordinator. Today’s groundbreaking ceremony gives us an opportunity to thank everyone for their help.”

This article was taken from the Friends of the Randell Research Center Newsletter Vol 2, No. 2. June 2003.