GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A ribbon cutting was held for the new Dick Resch & Family Learning and Conservation Center at the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary on Tuesday.
“Since we had the original concept, it’s probably been about six years in-the-making,” said Mike Reed, Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary. He says the first floor serves as a general-purpose area.
“For wildlife sanctuary special events. It’s available for rental for weddings and family reunions, corporate meetings,” he said.
The basement level is dedicated to new classroom space which will be used by the Green Bay Public School District nature-based four-year-old kindergarten program.
“Now, we’re able to accommodate that waiting list. We’ll have 80 students. We’re doubling the capacity. It was 40 last year, we have 80 students this year. And we could have a potential of 120 students,” said Reed.
The new nature center will not replace the existing one.
“The current buildings don’t have this type of meeting space. What it will allow the current center is basically two small rooms that were used for the classrooms will now be back in service for them,” said Dan Spielmann, Friends of the Wildlife Sanctuary.
Private donations and money from groups like retired KI CEO Dick Resch paid for the project.
“I think it’s fantastic. They really did a great job. The learning center down below is also very well-designed, and it’s exciting to see it today,” said Dick Resch, Philanthropist.
An open house will be held Wednesday, August 28, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
