Nature Center and Hiking Trails Expansion

To contribute to the community of Ralston, I would propose expanding upon the Nature Center and Hiking trails to include more appeal and activities. This would come in the form of combining multiple other proposals all into one. There were proposals for community gardens, which should be implemented in multiple sections of town, but would be an easy addition to the nature center. The Nature Center can serve as the office space and information center for the nature preserve, with additional services being run around the park. Including areas in the park that could be used for a summer day-camp would create a new contact zone for children, and combine the built environment with the natural environment. This contact zone can assist with childhood development as it encourages children to play and emphasize with one another (Pratt 2005). This could be as simple as building some pavilions near a mowed field with public bathrooms within walking distance. The camp could utilize the hiking trails and work to teach children about local ecosystems and how to help maintain the natural biodiversity. The mowed field would give children a space to run and play active games, whereas the pavilions could be used for meals, free time, and guided activities (crafts, journaling, short lessons, etc.).

An educational building could also be vital for rainy days, younger ages, or days where the heat is too much for children. The building could contain a small kitchen, bathrooms with showers, and an open space that can be utilized for a plethora of activities. It can also serve as storage and contain more natural artifacts like animal skeletons, preserved plants, and educational information that may not be available in the nature center due to supervision issues. It would also be vital with preschool age kids to serve as the daycare when outdoor time is not possible. You could even include public art exhibits within a section of trails to encourage community visitation as well as support local artists and the arts.