Wargo Nature Center
Design + Construction Management: Phenology Study + Interpretive Landscape
Wargo Nature Center, Lino Lakes MN
2014-present
Wargo Nature Center sits in the Eastern part of Anoka County Minnesota as part of the 5,000 acre Rice Creek Chain of Lakes. Anoka County Parks recently went through a 20 year master plan looking at ways to improve the landscape experience and nature center programmatically.
Phase I of the project which began in 2014 included improving the entrance experience for visitors through creating a more dynamic landscape that leads visitors from the parking lot to the visitor center. Project goals include incorporating recycled materials and creating a planting plan that "teaches" visitors. Project is currently nearing the end of construction of Phase I.
Phase I (2014-2016)
Seating, interpretive displays, addressing stormwater, interpretive planting displays, better lighting, art, design development of an interpretive kiosk and signage.
Phase II (2016-2017)
Nature play enhancements with hill slide and way-finding improvements, custom art elements, landscape planting, interior improvements, trail interpretive elements such as sculpture and signage and construction of an interpretive kiosk.
Custom local artist designed corten bollard lighting lead guests to the Visitor Center and minimize light pollution with path focused lighting design.
Interpretive nodes staged along the entrance path, enhance the user experience, guide visitors towards the main building and provide hands-on interactive educational experience that doesn't require staff to be present.