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- i t The nature center campus consists of the peninsula on George Watch Lake where <br /> r 4 the nature center building and outdoor amenities are located. The nature center <br /> -' - building and surrounding site is the focal point for most visitors.Much of the daily <br /> *- environmental education and outdoor recreation activities take place in the areas <br /> adjacent to the building,including the existing dock,trails,open lawn,nature play <br /> area,and picnic areas. <br /> Circulation <br /> !# Existing Conditions <br /> 7 • Landscaping around the building that is minimal and does not improve the <br /> building as viewed from outside,or reflect a sense of care for nature and our <br /> outdoor environment <br /> • An entry walk from the parking lot to the building that lacks experiential <br /> ' character,does not provide orientation to the site,has erosion issues,is <br /> Existrngprogr4m/picnk sr,1f� <br /> shared with vehicle access to the building,and does not provide visitors with <br /> a clear path to the building's main entrance <br /> • A lack of well-defined places for outdoor programming <br /> . Trails throughout the site provide access to a large portion of the peninsula <br /> F but are not ADA accessible <br /> Needs <br /> • A more welcoming pedestrian experience from the parking lot to the building <br /> } along the entry walk <br /> ' ;�* ,� • Greater connectivity between site amenities <br /> - Better indoor/outdoor relationship between the building and the area <br /> 'P surrounding the building <br /> Improved landscaping around the building that includes green infrastructure, <br /> 1 � and stormwater management practices to contribute to a sense of place and <br /> provide interpretive/demonstration opportunities <br /> h1grj;;i[rrrr <br /> Amenities <br /> `.4 Existing Conditions <br /> ' Amenities are the things that attract and retain visitors.Their appeal and cohesion <br /> are essential to creating a memorable place that people return to again and again, <br /> and tell their friends about.Wargo Nature Center's main campus amenities and <br /> their existing conditions include: <br /> __ • An amphitheater that is utilized but lacks'curb appeal' <br /> r Picnic areas with tables and trash receptacles that are also used as gathering/ <br /> programming space <br /> • A nature play area east of the building that is underutilized due to a lack <br /> of visibility from the building/main walk,an overabundance of tall,exotic <br /> grasses,and a lack of attractive play elements <br /> �. • A prairie garden north of the building that provides visual interest,but poses <br /> Existing amphitheater a maintenance issue and is not designed to be interactive or experiential <br />