Bo Ginn Aquarium-Millen, Georgia
Posted by: 
Sprinterman
N 32° 52.698 W 081° 57.546
17S E 410280 N 3638203
Located inside Magnolia Springs State Park in Millen, Georiga
Waymark Code: WM7W1T
Location: Georgia, United States
Date Posted: 12/10/2009
Views: 6
From THE MILLEN NEWS July 1, 2009
Effective, June 1, the Bo Ginn Aquarium at Magnolia Springs State Park began operations under the management of the Jenkins County Development Authority (JCDA).
Mabel Jenkins, JCDA chairman explained, "The Aquarium was operated by the State Parks Division of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) of Georgia until June 1. Due to the economic condition of the state, the DNR was forced to make budget cuts and unfortunately, the Bo Ginn Aquarium was one of the entities that were listed to be closed."
"With the aquarium being an important part of the Magnolia Springs State Park, the loss of the aquarium would have been quite devastating to the future of the park and a serious loss for the county of Jenkins. It is recorded that some 45,000 visitors visited the aquarium annually. The guest register has entries from all over the world," Jenkins noted.
A small gift shop is now located in the lobby of the aquarium. "Jenkins County was offered by the state the option to operate the aquarium, or it would be closed. The county has lost hundreds of jobs, maintained the number one spot as highest unemployed in the state for some time, of which we are not proud, and witnessed many closings of local businesses. The Board of Directors of the JCDA felt it would be a large mistake for us to let the Bo Ginn Aquarium close. The city, county and JCDA had just recently committed to the state assistance on the repairs of the pool at Magnolia Springs State Park to keep it open this season. It was also scheduled to be closed. Without a pool and the aquarium, the park may find it hard to continue which may have come to its closure. Something had to be done!" Jenkins said.
Jenkins stated that through the efforts of the JCDA and the DNR, an agreement was reached and the JCDA accepted the responsibility of operating the aquarium, effective June 1, with Robert Jenkins as manager. Since that time, improvements have been made in the appearance of the facility and surrounding area. The grounds have been cleaned up and the parking lot lines painted. New signs have been placed and the flag pole has been painted with new flags installed. Interior improvements include a paint job, new ceiling tiles, newly decorated lobby and the additions of a gift shop, drink machine and new exhibits. Several local businesses also assisted with improvements. These were Kellwood Manufacturing, Deer Creek Taxidermy and Superior Alarms.
The exhibit room has been cleaned and the tanks are filled. In order to finance the improvements and pay for operation of the aquarium, an admission fee of $1 per person is being charged.
"This does not take care of all expenses," Jenkins said. "The JCDA would like to encourage citizens to help us keep this facility open. If possible, please make a generous donation to help cover the operation costs until we can get some groups coming and other money-making projects working."
A display at the aquarium is shown. Checks should be made payable to Bo Ginn Aquarium and mailed to: 1012 Hwy. 23 N., Millen, GA 30442. Jenkins noted that the Authority plans to post a list of supporters of the aquarium.
"We ask that you keep a positive attitude toward your city, county and community during these economic hard times and do your part by being a positive influence to others. Visit the aquarium, the park and use the facilities we have at home. This will help us all," Jenkins added.
Magnolia Springs State Park was created in 1939. Prior to its operation as a state park, Magnolia Springs was the site of a state fish hatchery. It was also a popular privately owned recreation area. In 1948, more than 100 acres of park property was transferred to the federal government for the creation of the Millen National Fish Hatchery. In 1988 this facility was renamed the Bo Ginn National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium. A variety of sport and endangered fish were raised at this hatchery until it closed. At that time the property, including aquarium and ponds, was returned to Magnolia Springs State Park.
Citizens are encouraged to contact the JCDA for additional information or questions concerning its operations.
The 26 freshwater tanks at this aquarium in Magnolia Springs State Park display native fish, reptiles and turtles.
Physical address of aquarium: 1012 Hwy. 23 N., Millen, GA 30442
Website address: http://www.themillennews.com/news/2009-07-01/Front_Page/Jenkins_Co_Development_Authority_to_operate_Bo_Gin.html
Hours of operation: 9-4
Admission cost: 1
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Visit Instructions:
To get credit for logging a waymark you must:
1. Take a photo of the front entrance with the public aquarium's name on it. Optional photos include pics of the exhibits inside the aquarium but of course, admission and/or entry is not required to log this waymark.