COUNTY NATURE CENTER NEARS COMPLETION

DOWN TO THE WIRE: Gary Snell of Cape Girardeau, an employee of Cotner Electric Co., wires a light post bordering the parking lot at the Department of Conservation nature center. A grand opening for the facility is expected sometime in July. (Photo by Mark Sterkel)

Construction of a Missouri Department of Conservation nature center and regional headquarters in Cape Girardeau is nearing completion, with a formal ribbon cutting and open house likely to be held around mid-July.

David Hurlbut, assistant director of the department, said Thursday he was very pleased with the way the project was progressing and looked forward to having it ready to open soon.

The center is being constructed in the Cape County North Park, on a tract of land the county commission provided to the conservation department as the site of the center.

Presiding Commissioner Gene Huckstep said the commission made the land available because it will provide permanent jobs, be a tourist attraction, and be a positive addition to the county park.

Huckstep said he anticipates plans for the open house and dedication being finalized within one or two weeks and a definite date set.

"We're progressing very well and have an attractive building that we are quite pleased with," Hurlbut explained. "I think it will be a nice addition to the park."

The parking lots around the building have been completed and landscaping work will start soon. Hurlbut said Thursday that the air conditioning system is now operating, which means once the interior dries out final painting can be done inside the facility.

"We are anticipating it will be finished by early July," said Hurlbut.

As soon as possible, the local conservation department offices, currently housed in a building on North Kingshighway, will be moved to the park. All regional offices for the department will be housed in the new facility.

A number of displays are being prepared for the nature center, but Hurlbut said it is possible they will not all be ready by the time the center opens.

The department is also planning a nature trail in part of the county park, which will be built at a later date.

Hurlbut said he anticipates the grand opening being a big event and one that will give people an opportunity to come out and see the center.

"We feel like this will be a big occasion," said Hurlbut. "We want people at the ribbon cutting and want everyone to go through the building."

Huckstep said he, too, is pleased with the facility and looks forward to getting it open.

"We're looking forward to having a dedication there and having this facility open for people all over the area to enjoy," said Huckstep. "We certainly think this will be an asset to the entire area, our park, and the conservation department."