The Construction Journey Begins

Welcome back to Polk County Conservation’s blog! Throughout 2017 and 2018, this blog will chronicle the Jester Park Nature Center and Outdoor Recreation & Nature Center’s construction progress.

We would like to take this moment to invite you, your family, and friends to join us to break ground on the Jester Park Nature Center on Wednesday, March 29^th, at 1:30 p.m. at the future site of the building. Brief remarks, followed by an informal celebration with refreshments and activities will be available to the public. If you are unable to attend, we will be LIVE streaming the event on Polk County Conservation's Facebook page beginning at 1:30 p.m. on March 29th.

Road Closing Connected with the Nature Center Construction:

On March 13th, an interior portion of park road in Jester Park was closed for construction work connected with the Jester Park Nature Center. This section of road will be closed through late May 2017. It is currently being cleared of overgrowth and will then be widened to accommodate larger vehicles and the expected increase of traffic when the Nature Center opens.

The section being closed spans between the Hickory Ridge trail head just past the Youth Campground to the south edge of Discovery Pond.

Park users that want to access the amenities shown on the photo to the left should enter the park through the back (north side) entrance. Coming in from the south on NW 121st St., turn left onto NW 118th Ave. and follow the curve as it turns into NW 128th St. At the end of this road you will find the back entrance to Jester Park. Covenant Construction Services will begin construction on March 30 and will be in full force through Spring of 2018. The Jester Park Nature Center is funded in part through the Polk County Water and Land Legacy Bond in addition to both private and public contributions. The Grand Opening is anticipated for early June of 2018. 

Road Construction behind the future Outdoor Recreation Center

Road Construction in front of the future Outdoor Recreation Center

We are looking forward to the opportunity of sharing the construction progress of both the Jester Park Nature Center and the Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center with you! Tune in next month and be sure to follow us on Instagram @PolkCountyConservation for updates on beautiful landscapes, nature, wildlife, environmental education, events, and more! You’ll be itching to get outside on our trails and parks after following this account.

Future site of the Jester Park Nature Center