Harris Nature Center Foundation officially broke ground on an observation deck that has been privately funded by a grant from Capital Region Community Foundation, matching donations and a patio brick fundraiser (ongoing).

The $50,000, 20-by-20 observation deck will set 6 feet above ground,  include two commercial binocular stands and be handicapped-accessible via a 5-by-72 ramp that wraps around the deck. Completion is expected in October.

4 p.m., Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, this was held at Site of observation deck — just under 300 yards into the forest starting on the paved path by the Nature Exploration Area; Harris Nature Center, 3998 Van Atta Rd., Okemos, MI 48864.

The foundation is building the observation deck to encourage the public to get into nature and observe wildlife from an unobtrusive viewpoint. It will be used by the public and the many school-aged children who visit the park during school trips and classes offered by the center.

Harris Nature Center Foundation supports the Harris Nature Center by funding programs, exhibits and capital improvements that enrich the visitor experience. It was founded by Meridian Township in 2006.

Harris Nature Center is owned by Meridian Township and comprises 48 acres of a larger park called Meridian Riverfront Park. HNC offers environmental activities and outdoor recreation opportunities that focus on protecting, promoting and interpreting the Red Cedar River. The Harris Nature Center building offers interpretive exhibits, live Michigan animal displays, nature murals by local artists and environmental programs for schools and the public. Park amenities include a half-mile paved trail, several miles of natural trails, the Nature Exploration Area where people can intuitively interact with nature, and a pavilion under construction scheduled for completion this fall.

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