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Conservation board requests funding to fix observation deck, retaining wall and hillside at nature center
Summary
The Conservation Board requested funding for three priority projects: observation deck resurfacing and ADA path (~$15,000), a failing retaining wall (~$42,800), and a large hillside/geo‑grid stabilization project (largest item) to address safety and liability concerns at the nature center.
Dan Heisel of the Conservation Board presented three CIP requests aimed at correcting safety hazards and improving visitor accessibility at the county nature center.
Heisel said the observation deck has decorative concrete that is cracking and allowing moisture underneath, creating a slipping hazard; he recommended removing the damaged layer, repouring concrete and adding a compliant sidewalk and ADA access — an item he estimated at roughly $15,000. He also described a leaning three‑level retaining wall near garden areas that lacks proper tiebacks and poses a collapse risk; Heisel asked for $42,800 to replace the wall with poured concrete tied into the hillside and to salvage existing landscaping blocks for reuse.
The largest request is a hillside repair that would excavate, install geogrid reinforcement and regrade the area to restore two usable levels, remove the waterfall feature and mitigate ongoing erosion. Heisel said the project would restore public gathering areas and reduce liability; he noted contractors, soil testing, and engineering had been performed during a prior foundation project and provided updated quotes.
Supervisors asked about prioritization and timing; Heisel said the hillside project is the top priority, followed by the garden retaining wall and the observation deck.
The board received the documents and will consider how to prioritize the conservation items within the broader CIP process.
