The Ford Nature Center, a converted private mansion originally constructed in 1913, has served as the headquarters for Mill Creek MetroParks' nature education since 1972. It has been the home for nature hikes, workshops, programs, and student field trips for nearly 50 years. With time, structural conditions and antiquated systems made it increasingly difficult for the Center to fulfill the goal of providing nature education to the public. After much deliberation, Mill Creek MetroParks decided the most effective approach to enhance nature education was through the redevelopment of the Ford Nature Center. Ten years ago, in lieu of a building a new structure, redevelopment was selected due its cost-effectiveness, historic preservation, and continued use of a Park cornerstone.

The redevelopment project's main objective, to better serve nature education needs of the community, would be reached through improving, upgrading, and expanding the facility's function, all while maintaining its historical and physical presence. Reconfiguration of interior spaces was needed to enhance and expand public programming with new and improved interpretive and interactive exhibits, interchangeable displays, and new wayfinding signage. Improved accessibility was also a prominent feature. Since the establishment of the Center in 1972, code regulations regarding safety and accessibility had significantly changed. Therefore, new fire protection, proper restrooms and exits, lighting systems, internet service, and a comprehensive set of accessible interior and exterior public spaces were incorporated.

Before renovation, the Center exhibited a lack of large spaces for teaching/congregating, a disjointed grouping of exhibits, and an unclear separation between public and private areas. Redevelopment allowed for connecting, fully utilizing, and reorganizing the Center's existing mansion and garage to fulfill the nature education mission of the MetroParks. The new plan reflected a clear division between public and private spaces. The second floor is now dedicated staff space that brings all nature education personnel together under one roof. A newly installed elevator connects all public spaces to one another and creates a smooth transition for viewing exhibits. Access to the newly expanded basement level and exhibit hall can now be accessed by all. Exterior ramps, pavement surfaces and new trails were added, and the existing Virginia J. Axtmann Trail for All People was repaved.

Renovations to the facade included cleaning of the limestone walls, repairs to the stone chimney, a new synthetic slate roof, and new lighting. The historical character of the fa????ade was not only preserved but is now restored to original conditions. New plumbing,mechanical, and electrical systems were installed in the mansion and garage to exceed current code requirements including energy efficiency criteria. Additionally, all interior finishes were replaced and refreshed. Historic features such as wood molding, wainscoting,doors, and terrazzo flooring was maintained and restored as needed. Additional square footage was included by excavating below and behind the building specifically to preserve the architectural integrity and appeal of the historic mansion. The now publicly-accessiblegarage was renovated to house two interior multi-use classrooms.

 

The grounds of the Ford Nature Center now strengthen the critical educational and recreational link between Mill Creek Park and the surrounding neighborhood. The connections between nature and humankind is on display both throughout the exterior and interior spaces of the Center. A new garden was installed on the rooftop of the new basement exhibit hall. A new wildflower meadow can be viewed from numerous perspectives incorporated over two dozen native forbs and grasses. Additionally, the formal landscape incorporated native plant species throughout all of the beds including the Ohio woodland garden and bird viewing area. This approach established green and economical rationale to construction and will minimize future maintenance requirements. The interior improvements also allowed the MetroParks to limit consumption of new construction materials and improved the energy performance of the woefully inefficient buildings.

The redevelopment project reestablished the Center as a landmark and feature within the Park and community. The improved function and central location of the Center in Mill Creek Park's historic district allows it to become the perfect hub from which to orient, explore, inform, and begin one's journey in the Park. After nearly 50 years, the Center has hosted thousands of children, strengthening their connection with nature through educational programming, creating deep and long-lasting memories of the Center and Mill Creek Park.

The positive perception of the building and its function generated wide community support and philanthropic giving for the redevelopmentproject. Private donations accounted for over $3M of support for the Ford Nature Center Redevelopment project. Over 330 donors contributed to the project over a period of three years. Signature gifts were made by many local foundations, trusts, and individual donors, including a $1M donation from the Sand Hill Foundation.

Renovation of the Center enables MetroParks' educators to spend less time traveling and host more educational opportunities andexperiences for schools and public programming. The improved facility undoubtedly expands and diversifies potential audiences and users. Improved, expanded, updated and accessible indoor and outdoor spaces allow increased occupancy and creates space for new and changing content. The new physical connection to East Cohasset Hike & Bike Trail promotes additional recreational connectivity. The incorporation of new picnic grounds, outdoor classrooms, amphitheater seating, gift shop, bird observation room, history room, nature exhibits, and multi-use classrooms create a destination that caters to wide-ranging user groups. These changes paired with new and exciting exhibits provide new content needed to attract a broad cross section of Mahoning County residents, local school groups, and park visitors, alike.

This redevelopment project balanced the historic and architectural character of a private residence with the modernized function,aesthetics, and appeal of a nature education venue. It reinvigorated the memories and philanthropy of a community proud of its past. The overgrown and forgotten grounds have been reshaped and improved, the existing buildings worn with age were given new life, and the exhibits reinvigorated with interactive learning opportunities. The visitor's experience has been elevated to include improved safety, comfort, education and enjoyment. The project provides clarity to the user's experience and establishes the facility as a destination for any park adventure.


The upcoming Parks Issue of Landscape Architect and Specifier News saw many firms submit their projects for feature consideration. This project was not chosen for a Feature in the issue, but we at LandscapeArchitect.com thought the project deserved to be showcased online . . .

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