Letter: Reimagining the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and Eccles Dinosaur Park
Why can’t we have both? The Ogden City Mayor, Mike Caldwell, decided for all of us and on behalf of the Dinosaur Park, that the Wildlife Center shall be evicted this fall (possible extension for meeting some ridiculous benchmarks given the time-frame and then they will pay rent while simultaneously raising funds to move). The Dinosaur Park is also receiving an additional 10+ city owned acres to expand, including property across the Ogden River. The plans have been years in the making, and the plans are “still generic” according to Mark Wayment, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Dinosaur park, and costs are going up (Standard Examiner 6/1/23). Yes, costs are going up, for everyone. For the citizens of Ogden, this will cost the loss of a facility to be bulldozed, an important service to saving injured wildlife, and the future it once had on the parkway. The mayor is throwing away an opportunity with both hands.
With some vision and leadership, it’s not difficult to see that both entities could co-exist and compliment one another. The possibilities are boundless with deceased raptors and living raptors at one location, providing expanded educational opportunities to the public. Perhaps we could have some public input as well? The folks living on the north side of the Ogden River might have something to say. Invite all of the stakeholders to the table to create a solution that works for everyone, including our wildlife. Assuming Mr. Caldwell is continuing to greener pastures, his resume needs a lot of work. He has that opportunity right now.
Gina Timmerman
Ogden