Photo Courtesy Discovery Park: Eastern Arizona College’s Discovery Park hosted the pilots and crews of the 2023 Gila Valley Balloon Festival.
By Paul Anger/Discovery Park
THATCHER — Eastern Arizona College Discovery Park hosted the pilots and crews of the 2023 Gila Valley Balloon Festival on December 30, 2023. More than 20 balloon owners, hailing from various western states, participated in the “Extravaganza!” event, led by local balloon operators Greg and Susan Lindsey of AZ Air Adventures.
EAC Discovery Park Director Paul Anger, accompanied by his wife Tawnie Anger, extended a warm welcome to the guest balloonists. During their visit, the pilots, crews, and their families engaged in an afternoon of exploration, learning about the Gila Valley, and the telescopes at the Mt. Graham International Observatory, and experiencing the various displays and activities.
Anger guided the group through a tour of EAC Discovery Park’s facilities. Highlights included observing the 20” Tinsley Telescope in the Gov Aker Observatory, experiencing the Camera Obscura in the Jupiter room, and delving into the history of astronomy in the educational galleries. The group also enjoyed rides on the Polaris Shuttle Simulator, viewed a video about the Large Binocular Telescope, and explored the Augmented Reality Sandbox.
The tour culminated with a demonstration of the Grand Kiva’s acoustics, a visit to the Native Heritage Museum showcasing artifacts from the Mill’s Collection of Native American pottery, and a drawing for fun prizes.
Reflecting on the experience, Anger remarked, “This was a really special group to spend time with. We’ve often seen the beautiful balloons flying in the early mornings, and it was wonderful to get to know the pilots and the people behind the balloons.” He added, “I’m already looking forward to next year’s event and having some more fun with them.”
For additional information on EAC Discovery Park, please visit www.eac.edu/discoverypark, call (928) 428-6260, or email discoverypark@eac.edu.
About EAC Discovery Park:
Eastern Arizona College’s Discovery Park is a versatile educational and research facility located in Safford, Arizona. Serving as a host for Mt. Graham International Observatory visits, the park offers tours of the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope, the Submillimeter (Radio) Telescope of the Arizona Radio Observatory, and the world’s most powerful telescope, the Large Binocular Telescope. Additionally, EAC’s Discovery Park facilitates science field trips for K-12 school students from local communities and surrounding areas, providing hands-on activities covering astronomy, ecology, and the native habitat.
These educational experiences are offered at no cost to schools. EAC’s Discovery Park also offers college courses in rocketry and environmental biology, and its facilities, including the Ranch House Conference Facility, are available for group rentals to the public. Open on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., the EAC Discovery Park Campus welcomes visitors to explore its offerings.
For more information about public tours, and educational experiences, or to make a reservation, please visit DiscoveryPark@eac.edu or call (982) 428-6260.
About Eastern Arizona College:
Since 1888, Eastern Arizona College has been the undisputed Smart Higher Education Destination, shaping student dreams into reality. With a faculty of qualified and caring instructors, EAC is committed to preparing students for high-demand careers and advanced studies at top universities.
Offering a diverse range of over 90 degrees and certificates, EAC is home to the state’s premier nursing school, a fine arts program featuring Arizona’s only community college marching band, and an engineering program that equips students for success at top-tiered firms and universities.
Beyond academics, EAC is a vibrant community where students thrive, forging connections that last a lifetime. Experience on-campus housing, engage in over 30 clubs and organizations, participate in dynamic intramurals, and cheer for nationally ranked athletic and e-sports teams.
What sets EAC apart is its commitment to financial accessibility, allowing most students to graduate with $0 debt.
Choose EAC as your Smart Higher Education Destination. For more information, contact admissions@eac.edu or call (928) 428-8272.
