Nature Education Center
Outdoor Education Classroom
The Nature Center is the hub for our Outdoor Education programming at Camarillo Grove park. The Center is open to the public during normal park hours, unless being utilized for a program or event. This facility includes interpretive signage along a trail that provides information about our local ecosystems, flora and fauna; interactive water table; teaching deck for programs; nature-based play equipment such as boulders, logs, ant hill, and more; as well as native gardens with braille signs.
Background
The Foundation for Pleasant Valley Recreation & Parks has been raising funds since 2017 to support the District with renovations that will improve the Outdoor Education program that is offered to the community.
New Nature Education Buidling in the Works!
As of June 2022, the Foundation has raised $50,000 and the board approved to begin construction for a new Nature Education Classroom. The current garage structure is being taken down and transformed into a brand new Tuff Shed building with wide barn doors. The new structure will enhance the District's Outdoor Education classes to take place inside with displaying taxidermy animals and fossils inside.
Progress
| Timeline | Status |
|---|---|
| Phase I: Bid | Foundation board and Board of Directors approved Tuff Shed bid on June 1, 2022. |
| Phase 2: Demo Inspections & Demo | Asbestos and lead inspection on current structure was performed on July 1, 2022. RFP for removal of lead paint was approved on July 18, 2022 and was completed on July 26, 2022. A demo permit approved by the County of Ventura on August 1, 2022. The garage structure was torn down by a group of volunteers on October 1, 2022. |
| Phase 3: Permit | Blueprints were received from Tuff Shed on August 18, 2022 and submitted to the County of Ventura for a build permit. On June 6, 2023, plans were approved. Permit and clearances were received on August 1, 2023. |
| Phase 4: Construction | Estimates are in progress for concrete and electrical to begin the first stage of construction. |
| Phase 5: Build | Pending |
Partners
The Foundation is partnering with organizations to help support our cause. The Foundation recevied a $1,000 environmental grant from Amber's Light Lions Club to help purchase two display cases for the taxidermy animals. Lauterbach & Associates Architects Inc. partnered with us on blueprints, plans and the permit process.
Project Photos (will be updated per phases)
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