Written by Phil Cerroni
By Amanda Casanova
The Coppell City Council agreed to contribute about $900,000 for the construction of the long-awaited Nature Biodiversity Center with the condition that the City assumes management of the project. Supporters touted the Feb. 26 meeting as a “make or break” day for the project, in which the Council decision would let donors know if construction was viable.
While the Friends of Coppell Nature Park worked for nearly a decade to build the facility, the contractor hired for the project recently discovered that many financial pledges had fallen through, amounting to more than $100,000.
Total construction cost is estimated at about $1.6 million. Minus donations and a $300,000 contribution from the Coppell Independent School District, there is an $840,468 shortfall for the project, according to a memo from the Friends of the Coppell Nature Park.
The Council voted 4-2 for the funding after spending about 15 minutes in executive session. Council members Bob Mahalik, Wes Mays, Marvin Franklin and Aaron Duncan voted for the resolution. Council member Billy Faught and Tim Brancheau voted against.
With the additional funding, construction could start April 1.
The facility will provide hands-on environmental education with applications of solar power, rain water capture, green construction and composting. Elementary students will have an opportunity to study rock and fossils. Middle schools will be able to use labs for conservations studies and high schools will be able to see real world applications of engineering. The building could also be used for civic gatherings and meetings.
“Research showed that students wanted to be involved in meaningful activities in the community,” said Vonita White, nature park board member and retired assistant superintendent. “The park has been their place to make a difference and get involved in their community. It has really been a philosophy of meaningful involvement for students, teachers and the community.”
The center will be built within the Coppell Nature Park, located off Freeport Parkway.
“This type of facility will allow students to become really engaged in environmental science in a place where they can see plants and animals interacting,” said Sid Grant, Coppell ISD assistant superintendent for business services. “Instead of Internet and textbook learning, students will learn hands-on.”