Dakota Nature Park construction resumes

This is what the new Nature Center at Dakota Nature Park will look like. The contract for the $1.16 million structure was awarded last month, and work should get under way soon. The Nature Center, which overlooks the park ponds, will include classrooms, a large atrium and exhibit space. Artist’s rendering by Banner Associates

BROOKINGS – Construction of the Nature Center building at Dakota Nature Park got under way this week, and as a result, areas within the park will be closed for safety until further notice.

Bids for the $1.16 million nature center were awarded in late August, with Clark Drew Construction of Brookings signing on as general contractor.

The rustic, 5,300-square foot Nature Center will overlook the ponds from the southwest corner of the park.

Areas closed to the public this week include the south gate and southwest parking lot off 32nd Street South, all of the gravel road west of the east pond to the iron bridge, and the recreation trail along the northeast perimeter of the park.

For the present time, park patrons will have access from the east parking lot on 22nd Avenue and on the gravel road from the north recreation trail down to the iron bridge.

Parks and Recreation officials ask patrons to observe the barricades and signage that has been put into place for their safety and the safety of the construction workers.

The Nature Center represents Phase II of the multiphase reconstruction project at the park.

Dakota Nature Park is a 135-acre property that once housed a series of gravel pits as well as the city landfill. The reclaimed area is now fully wooded, with a series of ponds offering fishing and boating as well as hiking and biking trails.

The first phase of the park renovation, which involved the creation of new entry roads, parking areas, boat launches and fishing docks and piers, was completed this summer by Rounds Construction of Brookings.

For further information, contact the Brookings Parks and Recreation Department, 692-2708.