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Joseph E. Wargo Nature Center Master Plan <br /> Summary of January 23, 2014 kick off meeting with Anoka County staff <br /> Consulting staff from HKGi and MDA met with representatives of Anoka County to discuss Wargo Nature <br /> Center existing conditions, programs, desires and opportunities for the future. The purpose of the <br /> meeting was to set the stage for the master plan process. Key elements of the discussion are <br /> summarized below. <br /> Master Plan Goals: <br /> Increased use of Wargo and recreation program visits county-wide. <br /> Increased awareness of Wargo. <br /> Find what is special and unique (niche) about Wargo compared to other nature centers. <br /> More involvement of cultural communities/minorities in recreation programs and env. ed.to <br /> reflect the increasingly diverse population of the County. <br /> - Sustainability—financial, maintenance,volunteers and partnerships. <br /> Involve the County Board in the planning process. <br /> Increase Wargo's connectivity to Rice Creek Park(campground,visitor center,trails and beach) <br /> and to the Lino Lakes YMCA. <br /> Continue to utilize technology to effectively deliver information. <br /> Improve the visitor experience and "curb appeal"of the site and building. <br /> 10 year}plan-The Master Plan is to be a vision and 10 year phased action plan to improving Wargo <br /> Nature Center. The master plan will also include programming strategies reflecting Wargo's role as the <br /> hub for County recreation and env.ed. program staff. <br /> Wargo's unique location on a peninsula,surrounded by water and cattails, offers opportunities <br /> (woodland and water based programs) and challenges(connectivity and limited land for programming <br /> and trail use). <br /> Current use of Wargo: <br /> — Environmental education and recreation programs <br /> School groups/classes—up to 85 children at a time in the five usable spaces <br /> Nature pre-school(15 students enrolled) <br /> Homeschool programs <br /> Special events—natural resource, cultural heritage and recreation <br /> General use—Birders,cross country skiers <br /> Heritage Lab—Cultural,wildlife and recreation day camps (rotating annual heritage themes) <br /> - Hub for County recreation and environmental education program staff and recreation program <br /> equipment storage <br /> County compost site <br /> 1 <br /> Wargo Nature Center Master Plan—Jan.23,2014 kick off meeting summary <br /> Wargo Nature Center Master Plan- March 2015 <br />