The City of Dunwoody and the Dunwoody Nature Center will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Wildcat Creek Learning Lab on Wednesday, July 16, at 10:30 a.m. City Council Members will join Nature Center leadership to mark the beginning of this significant project, which aims to address the increasing demand for nature-based education and programming.

The two-story, 2,500-square-foot building will be situated within the city’s 25-acre park. It will feature three flexible classroom spaces, dedicated office space, three bathrooms, and a second-story outdoor deck designed for immersive, hands-on learning experiences.

Nancy Longacre, Executive Director of the Dunwoody Nature Center, stated that the Wildcat Creek Learning Lab will be "transformative," enabling them to serve more program participants and park visitors throughout the year. She noted that their current facilities are no longer adequate to meet the growing demand for outdoor nature camps, field trips, and community programs, and that the new space will help expand their reach and deepen their impact.

Upon its completion, the Learning Lab is expected to increase program capacity by 20%, allowing for more than 700 additional families to participate annually. Future plans include a morning preschool program and an expanded K-5 after-school curriculum, further advancing the Nature Center’s mission of connecting people of all ages with the natural world.

Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch expressed support for the project, emphasizing that this investment in outdoor learning reflects the city's commitment to education, community, and the environment. She stated that the Council is proud to support a project that brings these three elements together in a meaningful way.

The $2.5 million project is being funded through a combination of private donations and public support, including a $1 million investment from the City of Dunwoody. The initial phase of construction will focus on crucial watershed infrastructure, including the installation of stormwater systems, trench drains, curbing, and pedestrian pathways for a new plaza that will connect the Learning Lab with the Main Building. Construction is anticipated to take six months to complete. For further information and project updates, visitors are directed to the Nature Center's website.