11-06-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Existing program/picnic space Existing nature play area Existing amphitheater Nature Center Campus The nature center campus consists of the peninsula on George Watch Lake where the nature center building and outdoor amenities are located. The nature center building and surrounding site is the focal point for most visitors. Much of the daily environmental education and outdoor recreation activities take place in the areas adjacent to the building, including the existing dock, trails, open lawn, nature play area, and picnic areas. Circulation Existing Conditions • Landscaping around the building that is minimal and does not improve the building as viewed from outside, or reflect a sense of care for nature and our outdoor environment • An entry walk from the parking lot to the building that lacks experiential character, does not provide orientation to the site, has erosion issues, is shared with vehicle access to the building, and does not provide visitors with a clear path to the building's main entrance • A lack of well-defined places for outdoor programming • Trails throughout the site provide access to a large portion of the peninsula but are not ADA accessible Needs • A more welcoming pedestrian experience from the parking lot to the building along the entry walk • Greater connectivity between site amenities • Better indoor/outdoor relationship between the building and the area surrounding the building • Improved landscaping around the building that includes green infrastructure, and stormwater management practices to contribute to a sense of place and provide interpretive/demonstration opportunities Amenities Existing Conditions Amenities are the things that attract and retain visitors.Their appeal and cohesion are essential to creating a memorable place that people return to again and again, and tell their friends about. Wargo Nature Center's main campus amenities and their existing conditions include: • An amphitheater that is utilized but lacks'curb appeal' • Picnic areas with tables and trash receptacles that are also used as gathering/ programming space • A nature play area east of the building that is underutilized due to a lack of visibility from the building/main walk, an overabundance of tall, exotic grasses, and a lack of attractive play elements • A prairie garden north of the building that provides visual interest, but poses a maintenance issue and is not designed to be interactive or experiential 24 Chapter 3: Existing Conditions & Needs