Work On Brookings' Dakota Nature Park Progressing

The Brookings parks director says construction of Dakota Nature Park is progressing, and the center's timber frame should be completed by this weekend.

Peter Colson says builders have been putting up the Douglas fir timbers that create the framework for the nature center in the southwest corner of the new park.

The 5,300-square foot center should be ready for use for the summer park season.

The $1.16 million single-story building overlooks the park's middle ponds and features a vaulted atrium as its central section. It will include a large classroom, exhibits, a reception desk and a porch meeting room with a see-through fireplace.

The Nature Center will be open seven days a week during the summer and on weekends in the winter.