Specifications include, but are not limited to: n satisfaction surveys conducted in 2014 and again in 2016, guests continually listed “a place on site to buy food” and “a gift shop” as important parts of the guest experience at the Nature Center. With most AZA facilities, food and gift is offered for guests with a portion of the proceeds from these opportunities going back into the operational budget or into a capital enhancement account. Up until recently, the Center had no food option other than vending machines and very limited merchandise in its gift operation. Currently, the Center has three areas dedicated to concessions and gift operations: - A 200 square foot indoor space in the form of an historic 1800’s cabin, - A 165 square foot pentagonal deck (uncovered) with adjacent picnic tables designed for a food “cart” operation, and - A 200 square foot indoor (unconditioned) storage building. A future 230 square foot indoor and conditioned gift shop space will be available as part of the construction of a new front entrance expected to be completed in late 2017.
