HomeMy WebLinkAboutLETTER FROM KAREN COHOE RE BALBOA ISLAND PARK
Commissioner
Ralph Rodheim a long tome Balboa Island resident made a significant impact in Orange County.
In early 1990, a small group of residents wanted to start a new science center, to enrich the
cultural and education opportunities for Orange County families. Ralph played a key part in
helping to raise $24 million to build and operate what has become Discovery Cube. Discovery
Cube has an annual attendance of about 500,000, over 200,000 school children, and received
the prestigious National Museum and Library Science Award in 2013.
Ralph arranged a meeting with executive architects at Disney who created the iconic Cube
design, which delineates the science center on the Interstate 5 freeway. He introduced Taco
Bell executives to the science center concept which resulted in a $2 million early capital gift. He
organized The Chairmans Cup, a golf tournament which annually raises about $500,000 in
support of the Discovery Cube operations.
It is fair to say that without Ralph's help, energy, ideas, and efforts we in Orange County would
not have the same world recognized science education facility that exists today. Ralph
deserves recognition for this in addition to his significant efforts for Balboa Island.
Karen Johnson Cohoe,
Founding President, DiscoveryCube
327 Apolena Ave
Balboa Island