By Sharon Hanks
Known for its peaceful, wooded parks and meandering trails, Ottawa County will at last have an official center to present educational activities and exhibits showcasing the natural and cultural aspects of its entire 5,500-acre park system.
The new $1.8 million Nature Education Center will officially open April 24 at the popular Hemlock Crossing Park along the scenic Pigeon River. The much-anticipated opening of the 8,000-square-foot center will feature eight exhibits that interpret the natural history of the Pigeon River ecosystem and prepare visitors for their outdoor experience.
"There's a lot of excitement about it," says Parks Director John Scholtz, adding the fieldstone and wood timbers building is "beautiful" and the center is very accessible off US-31. As one of the fastest growing counties in the state, the center is aimed at addressing a concern that consistently came up with survey results, showing residents were interested in recreational and educational facilities and services.
In addition to exhibits, the center includes a 1,600-square-foot multipurpose room that features a wood fireplace and a large bank of windows overlooking the forest, plus a 900- square-foot classroom for a variety of educational programs, activities and events.
An observation area for close-up views to outdoor birds and mammals has already been dubbed "The Wildlife Den," and the area housing real insects, reptiles, amphibians, and native fish in an aquarium has been nicknamed "The Critter Hotel," he says. Year-round youth programs are planned so that children can reconnect with the natural world.
The 239 acres for Hemlock Crossing were purchased from eight different private land owners using parks millage funds and Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grants at a total cost of $1,885,000. The park itself opened in 2003.
Sources: John Scholtz, Ottawa County Parks Director, West Olive; Ottawa County Parks website
Sharon Hanks is innovations and jobs news editor at Rapid Growth Media. Please send story ideas and comments for the column to Sharon at [email protected]. She also is owner of The Write Words in Grand Rapids.
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