Date announced for nature center opening

HURON TWP. — Erie MetroParks recently announced the grand opening of its recently built Roger Johnson Nature Center. It will occur at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21 at its base: Osborn MetroPark, 3910 E. Perkins Ave., Huron. The grand opening coincides with Erie MetroParks' largest annual event: the Osborn Fall Fest. The Osborn Fall Fest will take place from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and include dozens of vendors, free fall family-friendly activities, and food trucks. "With over 50,000 annual visitors to Osborn MetroPark, this building will enable Erie MetroParks to better serve their visitors and continue the mission of connecting the community with nature through education and exploration," according to a district statement. "The board of park commissioners and park officials are truly excited to offer Erie County residents a beautiful space for all residents that will serve them for generations to come." History lesson In 2022, the district's park commissioners unanimously voted to bring a new educational facility to the residents of Erie County. Construction began in 2023. "The new nature center replaces our time-true Frost Center at Erie MetroParks," park commissioner Don Miears said. The Frost Center, which houses offices today, will be demolished once the nature center opens." Totaling about 11,000 square feet, the space includes educational classrooms, built-in live animal areas, a turtle pond, community space, a play tree and a window-in-nature viewing area. It'll also serve as the park district's headquarters where many employees will report. The park board approved a $5 million budget for this project. About $2.5 million is coming from Erie MetroParks' general fund, an account largely backed by taxpayers. The other half is coming from grants, local foundations along with donations from community members, district executive director Melissa Price said. Additionally, it's received $175,000 in state capital funds. "The Roger Johnson Nature Center was built with funds from many sources and is debt-free to all citizens of Erie County," Miears said. "Additionally, our dedicated staff have worked long and diligently to make this happen on time and (on) budget. The nature center will be enjoyed by all visitors to Erie Metro Parks for years to come." This center bears the name of Roger Johnson, a longtime district volunteer and parks patron. Roger and his wife, Diane Hahler-Johnson, have been supporters of Erie MetroParks for more than 25 years. "Roger loved the outdoors and helping out at Erie MetroParks," Diane said. "He often brought his grandkids and great-niece with him to enjoy and learn about Mother Nature and the parks." Check it out After the opening ceremony on Sept. 21, the center will remain open for the public's viewing. New nature center hours will span from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. With the addition of weekend hours, district officials hope to accommodate more Erie County residents. As of now up until Sept. 21, both the Frost Center and the Roger Johnson Nature Centers will be closed to the public while the park district transitions into the new building. Any reservations or pick-ups can be scheduled by calling the office at 419-625-7783, ext. 221.