06-08 Resolution No. 11858RESOLUTION NO. 11858
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING BONDING FUNDS FROM THE STATE OF MINNESOTA TO
HELP CONSTRUCT A NEW WOOD LAKE NATURE CENTER BUILDING
Wood Lake Nature Center plays an essential role in serving our community and region; and
WHEREAS, Wood Lake Nature Center opened on May 5, 1971, and has established
over 150- acres of vital wetlands, forest and prairie habitat that is utilized for
environmental education and recreation pursuits; and
WHEREAS, Wood Lake Nature Center welcomes thousands of visitors a year from
Richfield, the broader Twin Cities Metropolitan Region, and guests from around the world
traveling through the Minneapolis International Airport, thus becoming an important destination
for those seeking educational and wellness opportunities in a natural setting; and
WHEREAS, Wood Lake Nature Center has an award -winning environmental
education and interpretive program that is annually enjoyed by students of all ages. The
center has a treasured 50-year partnership with the Richfield Public Schools where each
student attends several environmental education programs each school year. Wood Lake also
has developed dozens of highly -valued partnerships with both education and community
groups; and
WHEREAS, Wood Lake Nature Center strives to be an inclusive center that is
welcoming to all people from any culture, and purposefully removes barriers for participation;
and
WHEREAS, Wood Lake Nature Center promotes sustainable behaviors that
lessen the environmental footprint of its operations; and
WHEREAS, Wood Lake Nature Center is committed to developing a modern fully
accessible, sustainable, and inclusive interpretive building for the next generation to have high -
quality opportunities to engage and learn about the natural world;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Richfield,
Minnesota, establishes support for seeking bonding funds to construct a new Wood Lake
Nature Center building that is:
1. Sustainable in design and adheres to all State of Minnesota building guidelines.
2. Inclusive and accessible to all people; making sure those that are represented in the
BIPOC and disability community feel welcome and connected to Wood Lake Nature Center.
3. Reaching people across Richfield and the greater region with opportunities for the
highest quality environmental education, recreational and wellness opportunities.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Richfield, Minnesota this 8th day of June, 2021.
ATTEST:
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Maria Regan Gonzalez, Mayor
Kari Sinning, City Clerk