From Classroom to Dam: Local Educator Finds Joy as Park Ranger
Sue-Ann Rodriguez Goodwin tending to the rose garden at the The Dalles Dam Visitor Center. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
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By Cole Goodwin
The Dalles, OR, August 14, 2023 – Many people in the community know my mom, Sue-Ann Rodriguez Goodwin, as the dedicated educator who cared for and educated their kindergarteners at Colonel Wright Elementary School. After decades of service, she has made a career shift and is now educating locals and tourists alike at The Dalles Dam Visitor Center.
Chatting with curious tourists about the dam and the surrounding area. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
When my mom first told me about her new job, my initial reaction was, "The Visitor Center is still open? I thought it closed down after 9/11!" It just goes to show that no matter how well you think you know a place, there's always something new to learn.
Curious about her new role, I decided to pay my mom a visit at her workplace.
Me and my mom at The Dalles Dam. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
The Visitor Center, located at 3534 Bret Clodfelter Way in The Dalles, OR, offers educational exhibits, children’s activities, a picnic shelter, rose garden, walking paths, and scenic up-close views of the river and the dam.
Lots of happy faces were there to greet me when I arrived at the Visitor Center. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
Activities!
As I discovered during my visit, the Visitor Center has remained largely unchanged over the years. However, I still managed to learn something new.
My mom shared with me that the Visitor Center was built on the site of the Seufert Canning operation, pointing out the location on a map. She also provided a thorough history of the dam and reviewed the historic markers on the property.
Historic ruins. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
What struck me most was how happy she looked in her new job. When I asked her how it felt to return to working for the Corps after so many years in education, she recalled her time as a young tour guide at the McNary Dam.
Just chatting in the garden. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
"I remembered how magical it was. I loved learning about the fish, power generation, and how the dam's mechanical components worked. I got to meet people from all over the world who were curious about the same things, and they shared their stories with me," she shared. "It left a lasting positive impact on me. And I'm still endlessly curious just like back then, so I'm so thrilled to have found my way back home, to the US Army Corp of Engineers again. It's been about 33 years, since that young girl I was, was walking guests around the McNary Dam. Wow! Honestly, it doesn't feel that long ago. You know, there really is nothing like coming full circle like this. And guess what!? It’s still magical as ever. Still unbelievably fun.”
As I continued my visit, I complimented my mom on her knowledge of the dam and asked what she was learning from this new experience.
"I didn't realize how happy I'd feel meeting and greeting our visitors. They are some of the most interesting, well-read, well-traveled, intelligent, and friendly people I've ever met. I feel privileged to be a small part of their day. Their stories have a positive impact on me. I didn't realize how important these connections are to all of us. It's truly meaningful. The people who work at this dam and our wonderful visitors who come from all over the world have taught me so much. I'm grateful" she responded.
After watching an informational video, and watching my mom answer some visitor questions she showed me the rose garden and the sight of her never ending battle with the weeds.
“They grow faster than I can pull them,” she said, pulling up a clump of weeds.
Clearing a path for visitors at the Rose Garden. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
She told me that the garden, covered picnic area, and trails are open to public use and that sometimes people walk their dogs or study on the lawn.
We also discussed the Visitor Center's balanced approach to presenting the impacts of the dam, including environmental, physical, cultural, tribal, political, agricultural, and business aspects. My mom agreed that visitors appreciate seeing multiple perspectives.
The Walkthrough Exhibit
"The Visitor Center is more than a place to learn about local history, the dam, or the people in our area. It's a place for everyone to share their knowledge, be curious, play in the kids' area, and share their stories. Stories connect us," she said. "I hope The Dalles Dam Visitor Center provides a space for meaningful connections and a chance to learn and get questions answered."
On our tour of the grounds we saw some fish in Fifteenmile Creek, historical markers, up close views of the dam and Native American fishing platforms, and scenic views of Mt. Hood.
Once the tour was over we relaxed in the shade of the trees and had lunch. In true mom fashion, she offered to buy me any present from the Visitor Center gift shop I wanted, saying every purchase will benefit buying new educational supplies for the Visitor Center. Naturally, I chose the stuffed banana slug.
My Mom wants to see more visitors at The Dalles Lock & Dam Visitor Center! So please go visit her and she will teach you more than you thought possible about The Dalles Dam! The Visitor Center is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through September.
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