News : Dozens get first look at Benton County\'s new nature center

Many heard about the plans for and the donation to the new Nature Center at an open house.

Over 50 neighbors north of Vinton came together last week to meet the new kid on the block: the as-yet-unnamed Benton County nature center. They gathered Feb. 17 at what used to be the Kevin and Deb Hesson home, on the 6-acre northwest corner recently united with Rodgers Park.

“We are thrilled to have you here, as the first people to see the progress on the new nature center,” Benton County Conservation Board member Mark Pingenot told the visitors. “We want you to look around. We also want to answer your questions about the facility and its uses. We may not have all the answers quite yet, but we welcome your input and suggestions as we develop plans for use.”

The guests roamed the future display area on the main level, with its panoramic views of the park and countryside, oak firepalce and gleaming hardwood floors, satisfying their curiosity over the transition from a single family dwelling to what more than one neighbor labeled exciting, and a wonderful multi-functional community resource. Bathrooms, bedrooms and the garage were replaced by public restrooms, meeting rooms and offices for staff formerly scattered across the county in separate rented locations. The lower level was also transformed into a large group space, storage and utility areas, with existing restrooms and a second kitchenette conveniently repurposed for public use.

During an information session on the lower level, BCCB member Bob Mahood explained the history of the project, including the origins of the Benton County Conservation Foundation and the gift from the Laverne Kirkman estate that was seed money toward establishing a nature center at a county park.

Mahood said the cost of an initial plan — building new and a adding a driveway through the park — was too high in terms of dollars and in terms of the “human footprint” it would make, tearing up natural environment instead of protecting it. The board moved that project to a back burner several years ago.

When the Hesson property on the corner of Rodgers Park came up for sale, County Conservation Director Will Heber recognized a unique opportunity to square off the park and adapt the existing building as a nature center.

“I remember when we built the house, the design was clear span, and we could have the inside walls anywhere we wanted,” commented former owner Kevin Hesson, “so this has been easily adaptable. It is neat that it has worked well for a nature center.”

The cost of purchasing and remodeling was estimated at less than half the cost of the original plan for a new building, and the purchase couldn’t wait. With a downpayment from the Kirkman estate gift and a REAP grant, the conservation board proposed borrowing additional funds to buy and remodeling from a separate estate trust, one specifically earmarked for other purposes. They proposed paying back the amount borrowed, with interest.

The conservation board appointed a core committee to organize a fundraising campaign this spring. Pingenot said that group is expanding and the audience could expect to hear from them in coming weeks.

With the County Supervisors’ approval, the plan went forward. The major remodeling is finished and with a few details to complete, the nature center will be open this spring. Displays may take a little longer, and many will be evolving and changed over time, according to Benton County Naturalist Karen Phelps.

She said the new center would greatly expand the educational activities offered to county schools and groups of all ages and interests, describing a wide variety of programming and interactive displays inside and outside of the center.

Phelps also announced the receipt of a $50,000 gift toward the nature center, earlier that day, from a major agriculture-related business.

During the question and answer session, several neighbors expressed an interest in using the facility for youth groups and an interest in volunteering during the development phase, fundraising phase, and in staffing the gift shop or filling in for staff as hosts. Pingenot told the crowd the details and usage are a work in progress and the BCCB welcomed their support with plans to make the space available and use volunteers in several capacities.

The architect’s renderings of the nature center facade and floor plans can be viewed on-line at http://www.cobentoniaus.com/.

Photos and cutlines:

1. Neighbors of Rodgers Park arrive for a sneak peek at the new Benton County Nature Center Feb. 17. Far right, Tom Patterson watches a slide show while Benton County Naturalist Karen Phelps explains the features of the upstairs display area to Sarah Patterson (on his right). Behind them is the kitchen for the upper level, to their left are sliding doors to the outdoor observation deck. On the far left of the photo doors open into what will be a small gift shop.

2. Benton County Conservation Board member Bob Mahood, far left, and BCC Foundation Board member Dave Henkle greet visitors at the neighborhood sneak peek open house for the county's new nature center. Conservation Board member Trent Jacobi and Conservation Director Will Heber, far right, check out the slide show.

3. Neighbors discuss first impressions of the Benton County nature center, set to open later this spring, in front of the fireplace in the spacious upstairs display area.
The Conservation Board purchased the home and 6 acres adjoining Rodgers Park being remodeled into a nature center.Through a short hallway to the right are a board room/library and restrooms.

4. In the large group meeting/activity room on the lower level of Benton County Conservation Board Member Bob Mahood gives Rodgers Park neighbors background about the BCC Foundation and the new center. The lower level kitchenette is behind him. Doors lead to storage areas for teaching materials and recreational equipment, and to utility areas. The sliding door leads outside to lower level parking and, eventually, a path to the park and other learning/activity stations.

5. Bob Mahood answers a question The lower level kitchenette is behind him. The sliding door leads outside to lower level parking and, eventually, a path to the park and other learning/activity stations. Both levels can be used independently of each other and both are handicapped accessible from parking areas.

6. County Naturalist Karen Phelps (facing away) shows visitors Don and Gwen Eells one of three staff offices in what used to be a garage. They will house staff currently renting office space in two locations.