The build of the Orange County Great Park is moving along. Approval has been given by the Orange County Great Park Board of Directors to start developing a Nature Education Center in conjunction with Discovery Science Center and a Center for Community Organizations in conjunction with the Orange County Children and Families Commission.
The Nature Education Center is planned as a high-quality educational experience which can be a stepping stone to a Botanical Garden and Life Science Museum at the Park. The center would feature sustainable and organic gardening practices, home gardening, and exhibits on environmental awareness, water conservation and energy conservation. The garden would blend nature, life science and education in a garden setting enjoyable for all members of the family.
"The 11.6 acre Nature Education Garden would blend hands-on science exhibits with a beautiful nature garden, creating a very unique and fun experience," said Joe Adams, President, Discovery Science Center. "We are proud to work with the Great Park on this exciting educational project that will showcase life, earth and environmental sciences."
The Center for Community Organizations, sponsored by the Orange County Children and Families Commission, would be a 75,000 to 100,000 square foot non-profit community center providing office space and support areas for non-profit organizations. The goal is to build synergy among the organizations to enhance their abilities to serve the community. There are currently 6200 non-profit organizations in Orange County. The Center would feature a business/technical center for use by non-profits and community members, work force training and conference areas, a cafe and kitchen, child care services for infants and toddlers, and a wellness center for health education and referral. The planning study for the Center is now being started.
"The non-profit community is appreciative that the Board has moved this important priority program forward," said Mike Ruane, Executive Director, Orange County Children and Families Commission. "We have heard directly from key organizations providing critical services for children, youth and families that having a single center as a way for them to share resources would be extremely important in the future."
"Partnering with these two great organizations would enable the Park to serve all Orange County residents, especially children, youth and families," said Larry Agran, Chair of the Orange County Great Park Board Corporation. "Both organizations would help to further the Park's initiatives for education, health, culture, and community well-being."
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