Chattahoochee Nature Center breaks ground on new Discovery Center and Pavilion

After years of intense planning and successful fundraising, the Chattahoochee Nature Center held a groundbreaking ceremony on May 20. The event heralded the beginning of the construction phase of its new 10,000 square foot, LEED-certified Discovery Center and Pavilion. The new facility will serve as the Interpretive Center for the entire Chattahoochee River.

José Creamer, Chairman of the Board of Directors, welcomed the crowd of contributors and friends of the center, and thanked everyone for their amazing efforts throughout the years. He then introduced Ann Bergstrom, Executive Director, who said, “This is an exciting time for us. We learned that by telling this compelling story about the river we were able to receive broad support from individuals, foundations and corporations.” She went on to thank representatives from the City of Roswell, Fulton County and the State of Georgia for their help and support during the planning process. “The Discovery Center and Pavilion designed by the architectural firm, Lord, Aeck and Sargent will be LEED certified and will include exhibits designed by AldrichPears that will help people understand the river and its promises and limitations.” EDAW designed the beautiful landscape plan within the strict guidelines that apply to watershed areas along the Chattahoochee River.

Capital Campaign Chairman, Christopher Glenn Sawyer, stated that the Capital Campaign has successfully raised $9.7 million and praised the efforts of Executive Director, Ann Bergstrom, who he called “an amazing force” throughout the entire fundraising process. Capital Campaign Honorary Chairman, Senator Johnny Isakson, sent a letter which was read by his Field Representative, Frank Redmond. “The Chattahoochee Nature Center is committed to preserving our environment while providing our citizens with a facility that is both interesting and beautiful. I am proud that the expansion of this cultural and educational center has become a reality,” stated Senator Isakson.

Actual construction is set to begin the first week in June. The new Discovery Center and Pavilion is scheduled to open to the public in the summer of 2009. www.chattnaturecenter.com.