The City of Bristol Tennessee has begun a $1 million expansion of the Nature Center at the 2200 acre Steele Creek Park. This is the first major renovation of the facility since it was built in 1996.
The Friends of Steele Creek Nature Center and Park is an organization devoted to supporting and promoting the natural aspects of the park and its nature center. During the expansion process the Friends group will undertake a major fund-raising campaign in support of the many refurbished and new displays needed along with new research equipment, additional Nature Center programming, and new hands-on learning exhibits. When completed, the expansion will almost triple the current size of the facility and will provide for numerous other improvements including a new parking lot with ADA accessibility.
The Friends of Steele Creek Nature Center and Park are working to alleviate the monetary demands on the city’s budget for this project. It is vital that a public/ private partnership be created to support of the expansion of the Nature Center. Community support is an essential ingredient in the continued success of one of our city and region’s most important assets.
A brochure explaining the expansion along with a tax-deductible donation envelope are available at the following locations, the parks Nature Center, Bristol Tennessee City Hall Customer Service Desk, Slater Center and the Bristol Public Library. Donations are also made possible electronically through a PayPal account accessible at www.friendsofsteelecreek.org or www.bristoltn.org. You are welcome to stay informed by following the Friends of Steele Creek Nature Center and Park’s Facebook page or webpage and the City of Bristol Tennessee Facebook page or website. The City’s BTN-TV will be making expansion updates each week. The updates may be viewed on BTES Channel 16 or Charter Channel 192.
For more information contact the Friends group via e-mail at [email protected] or Terry Napier, Director of Parks and Recreation at [email protected] or by phone at 423-764-4023.
