Progress Continues:
No Stopping the South Hills Observatory Now

Many members will recall that planning for the Wagman Observatory took the better part of a decade, largely because of a then-reluctant Allegheny County Government. In contrast, progress on the club’s South Hills Observatory in Mingo Park, Washington Co., is proceeding at blazing speed, thanks to the enthusiastic support of Washington Co. government and members such as Dick Haddad. Here are some of the latest developments:

On January 18, several members marched through the snow at Mingo Park and marked off the proposed area for the observatory building. We’ve been in touch with the park office about removal of some obstructing low brush in that area.

The proposed lease for the observatory site has been officially delivered to the Washington Co. Commissioners and law offices. The Commissioners have indicated they want to publicize the agreement signing (perhaps even TV coverage). Our thanks to members such as Flacc Stifel, Ed Moss and others for their help in drafting the lease.

Even though major donations toward the observatory have been generously granted by member Dick Haddad, other members are welcomed and encourage to make their own donations (please contact Treasurer John Holtz to make your contribution).

Handicapped access is a major item of interest in the design of the South Hills observatory. Specific donations are welcomed in this regard, as well as advice on design and installation of handicapped-related equipment.

A preliminary design for the new observatory has bee drafted. Sorry, you’ll have to wait for your March Guide Star to see it.