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The master plan addresses 'hardscape' elements such as existing gardens and other physical site elements Programming is part of the'softscape' elements addressed in the master plan 2 Chapter 1: Introduction MASTER PLAN PURPOSE Society's relationship with the outdoors and nature is very different today than it was 20 years ago when the Wargo Nature Center was constructed. People are participating in outdoor recreation less and, on average, Americans are spending significantly less time outdoors. According to a 2014 National Recreation and Parks study, only one in ten adults spend time recreating outside every day. This concerning trend makes Wargo's mission all the more important. As the nature center enters its third decade, it is an opportune time to re -envision the nature center — its building, site, programs, and operations - so that it can better fulfill its mission to create awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of natural and cultural environments. This master plan serves as a guide to future updates to Wargo Nature Center so that it can better serve the community today and into the future. The master plan is unique in that it does not only guide physical improvement, or'hardscape' but also addresses marketing, programs, and operations, or 'softscape.' By addressing both, the master plan provides a holistic approach to recommended goals and strategies that will improve the visitor experience, increase visitorship, and promote greater program participation in the years to come. The Master Plan: • Integrates physical site improvements with recreation, education, interpretation, and outreach opportunities. • Provides strategic guidance for program development. • Delivers recommendations for improving building interiors and outdoor classroom options. • Identifies new trail alignments, site access, and links to area amenities. • Recommends implementation strategies for development phasing, capital and operations budgets, and funding. PLANNING PROCESS In late 2013, Anoka County hired Hoisington Koegler Group (HKGi) and Miller Dunwiddie Architecture (MDA) to prepare a master plan for Wargo Nature Center. The planning process lasted a year, beginning in January 2014 and concluded in January 2015. The process was guided by a core project team of staff from HKGi, MDA, Anoka County Parks & Community Services Division, and Wargo Nature Center. To increase nature center awareness and foster partnerships with other Anoka County departments, representatives from management, planning, programs, maintenance, marketing and guest services areas were included in staff work sessions. Input from other stakeholders, peer groups, and the general public was also obtained during the planning process. Meetings and input included: • A project kick-off meeting on January 23, 2014 with staff from HKGi, Miller Dunwiddie Architecture, Anoka County Parks & Community Services Division, and Wargo Nature Center.