Wetland restoration, a new boardwalk, outdoor classrooms and ADA access to playgrounds are included in the project.
The City of Dunwoody is making improvements to the Dunwoody Nature Center, including stream and wetland restoration and construction of a new boardwalk. The old boardwalk and the east side of Wildcat Creek will be off-limits during construction, which began in November.
“This project will be a massive improvement not only to the look and feel of the current boardwalk but also to the wetland ecosystem,” said Dunwoody Nature Center Executive Director Nancy Longacre. “We are excited about how this project will provide controlled areas for exploration for all of our visitors and program participants.”
A redesign and improved experience
The redesign and extension of the existing boardwalk will provide ADA access to the Dunwoody Nature Center playgrounds. The new and improved boardwalk will be eight feet wide and include outdoor classrooms for studying Dunwoody’s aquatic resources. Seating and observation decks will also be added.
The stream stabilization and wetlands restoration will begin at the nature center property line and end at the historic stone masonry weir. Environmental benefits include increasing wildlife habitat and improving water quality. The project aligns with the 2016 Master Plan for the Dunwoody Nature Center.
“We’ll stabilize the banks of Wildcat Creek by adding rock along the water’s edge, installing a log vane to channel water toward the center of the stream and improving grading,” said Dunwoody Stormwater Engineer Cody Dallas. “We’ll also remove invasive plant species from existing wetlands and plant native vegetation to restore the native forested wetland habitat.”
The details
The project is being funded through the city’s stormwater reserve and an EPD 319(h) Grant of $600,000. Total construction is expected to cost $1.72 million and will last for approximately six months. The contract was awarded to Steel and Associates, Inc. through competitive bidding.
Dunwoody Nature Center is located at 5343 Roberts Drive. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Office hours are Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, visit dunwoodynature.org/wetland-improvements.
