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Leslie Science and Nature Center outlines outreach, fundraising and master-site planning
Summary
Leslie Science and Nature Center told the Parks Advisory Commission it has invested $700,000 in a nature playscape, raised nearly $1 million for an outdoor teaching space, served 1,400 summer-camp students last year and will issue an RFP for a master site plan to address infrastructure, accessibility and parking.
The Leslie Science and Nature Center updated the Parks Advisory Commission March 17 on programming, fundraising and plans for a master site plan to guide the site’s infrastructure and future outdoor teaching space.
"We really work to create moments for everyone in our community," Susan Westhoff said, describing the center’s mission and the nonprofit’s partnership with the city. Westhoff said the nonprofit has invested about $700,000 in the nature playscape and has raised just under $1,000,000 toward the next phase, an outdoor teaching space.
Westhoff said the center’s outreach last year spanned 97 ZIP codes across 11 southeast Michigan counties and — with a restored UP tour — reached 81 of 83 Michigan counties. The center’s summer camp served 1,400 students from preschool through eighth grade and included 50 high school volunteers.
Operational upgrades and sustainability efforts were highlighted: the nonprofit installed a heat pump in the energy house with a University of Michigan grant and is collaborating with city sustainability staff on an energy audit for a 26-year-old building.
"We have not" done a comprehensive master site plan, Westhoff said, noting prior work focused on interpretive use rather than infrastructure. The nonprofit plans to issue an RFP for master-site planning to incorporate community input and to identify the best location for the outdoor teaching space, considering accessibility and parking needs.
Westhoff said the playscape is free and part of the city park; the nonprofit raised funds for construction while the city provides maintenance support. She invited commissioners to the City of Ann Arbor Earth Day event at the Leslie site on Sunday, April 19, from 12:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Commissioners asked about parking; Westhoff said parking and utilities assessments will be part of the master-site planning process and neighborhood input will be sought before final designs.
