- November 29, 2024
-
-
Loading
Loading
Environmental Discovery Center to be a reality
Wayne Grant
News Editor
The newly-named Environmental Discovery Center had its groundbreaking Aug. 28 after years of research and planning.
“It will be more than a building; it will be a gift to our children,” said local naturalist Chuck Tague.
He quoted environmentalist Rachel Carson, who said, “If I could give a gift to each child, it would be a sense of wonder.” He said the discovery center might even ignite “whatever spark remains in our adult hearts.”
Planning is still being done for the center, located at 601 Division Ave., which will have interactive exhibits, classes and a variety of programs to teach visitors about the local environment.
Formerly called the Environmental Learning Center, the name change was approved by the City Commission at their Aug. 18 meeting.
At the meeting, City Commissioner Bill Partington said he received strong recommendations from the staff and volunteers for the name change. He said some were turned off by the word, “learning.”
Mayor Ed Kelley was hesitant to approve, saying he thought the purpose of the center was learning, but the name change got the OK from the commissioners.
The Marine Discovery Center in Ponce Inlet was an influence on the design and planning for the Ormond Beach center, and its manager, Michael Brothers, has provided advice.
At the groundbreaking, Brothers said his center in Ponce Inlet has reached a level no one expected: 97,000 visitors in the past year.
“People want connection with the natural world,” he said.
Leisure Services Director Robert Carolin said a group of citizen-volunteers have been working on plans. Many are retired, and have backgrounds in teaching or science. He said they’ve developed programs that will meet course requirements in the school system for student field trips.
Construction will begin right away on the $800,000 facility and it should be open next spring. Half of the cost is being paid by an ECHO grant from Volusia County.
The “Florida Cracker” style building will have 2,000 square feet of interior space, and 2,000 square feet of outdoor space on surrounding decks for classes and meetings.
Partington has been closely involved with the project, which is in his zone, over the years.
He called the discovery center construction “exciting and gratifying.”
“Contributing something like this for our children is the highest thing we can achieve,” he said.
