Springbrook Nature Center Grand Opening Celebration
FRIDLEY, MN – We invite you to experience the whole new Springbrook Nature Center! Saturday, July 30, 2016, we open the doors to Springbrook’s new interpretive center, a place to connect with nature, learn about our environment, relax in a peaceful setting and celebrate in our new banquet spaces.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place beginning at 1:00 p.m. with a few words from those who made this 5 million dollar vision a reality. Following the ceremony, the entire community celebrates with free ice cream, live music, self-tours and naturalist-guided tours. The renovation and expansion of Springbrook’s Interpretive Center has truly been a communal effort and this will be a community celebration of a job well done.
The SPRING project (Sanctuary Protection and Renewal Into the Next Generation) began over a decade ago with a small group of volunteers and city staff who created a vision to revitalize the 7-acre park entrance. Springbrook’s new 13,000 square foot interpretive center and banquet hall will allow for new programming, environmental education and a beautiful setting to host special events and celebrations. On July 30, 2016, we open the doors and invite you to step inside that vision.
Springbrook Nature Center’s new interpretive center will feature dynamic exhibits including live animals, a crawl-through prairie soil exhibit featuring oversized insects, and a large tree exhibit with dozens of interactive components. These exhibits will educate and engage visitors of all ages. Visit our nature-themed puppet theater or explore an interactive touchscreen kiosk on the 1986 tornado that dramatically changed the Springbrook landscape.
This is just the beginning for the SPRING project! Designs are nearly complete for a community amphitheater and nature-based play space, anticipated to open summer of 2017. The amphitheater will host nature center events and programs, plus provide a beautiful backdrop for outdoor events such as weddings or concerts. The nature-based play space invites children to climb, splash, dig, and explore in a natural setting. A hand pump will provide just enough water to form a kid-size river or pond and will be paired with sand play for endless creative fun. Larger elements will allow for climbing, jumping and building amongst the shade trees and trails.
You can be a part of Springbrook! Dedicate a paver, bench or tree, personalized for your special person. Various donation levels available. The Springbrook Nature Center Foundation, a non-profit volunteer group dedicated to preserving the natural environment and educating the community, continues efforts to raise funds for the addition of new elements to complete the SPRING Project. Learn more at SpringbrookFoundation.org.
Contact:
Fridley Parks & Recreation Director:
Jack Kirk, 763-572-3575, Jack.Kirk@FridleyMN.gov
Springbrook Nature Center Director:
Mike Maher, 763-572-3588, Mike.Maher@FridleyMN.gov