Join us to build the Education Center in Mitchell Canyon

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Mitchell Canyon attracts 35,000 visitors per year. The location is a popular point of access in Mount Diablo State Park for hikes to the summit or the waterfalls, wildflower hikes, tarantula hikes, organized trail running events, mountain biking, equestrian rides, photography, birding, and geology hikes. Yet, the facilities currently on the site severely limit who can visit the park.

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Thanks to major grant funds, the State of California, our many donors, and community partners, we've raised $4.6 million to build a new Education Center!

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How we got here:

• Project conceived in 2020

• Ware & Associates architectural firm was hired in 2021

• Architectural blueprints are at 99% completion

• The Office of the State Fire Marshall is close to approval

• Project entered into the state budget 2025-26

• Bidding process to start in late 2025

 

What's happening now:

• Started the planning process, partnering with State Parks

• Meeting with our architects and project teams to continue refining the architectural plans for the building and the site.

• Engage subcontractors to help design our landscaping, fire suppression, geotechnical engineering, electrical system, and water supply

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Here's our future roadmap:

• Exhibit design firm JM Productions has been contracted, with preliminary concepts being developed now

• Consultations with local Native American Tribes for interior content

• Groundbreaking in early 2026

• Building sitework and construction will be complete by late 2026

• Interior fabrication and completion by mid-2027

• Ribbon cutting in Summer 2027

 

Finally, we are kicking off our Fall Fundraising Campaign  as we continue to raise the necessary funds to design a world-class education center. 

 

We thank our donors and community partners for their interest and continued support in what we all know is a worthy project so vital to Mount Diablo State Park, and in continuing to support MDIA’s mission of Preservation Through Education.

 

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MDIA is a 501(c)(3) organized Cooperative Agency (Tax ID# 23-7444529) to exclusively support Mount Diablo State Park with a team of volunteers.