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Construction Progressing at Sunset Park Nature Lodge
THE LODGE AT SUNSET PARK is up with walls and foundation. There is still work to do on the interior and the grounds surrounding the lodge.
STORY & PHOTO BY CAROL ARNETT
Construction on the Nature Lodge at Sunset Park is moving right along, Ron Veach told the Florissant City Council last month. Mark Behlmann, president of the Florissant Parks Foundation, and Don Zykan, treasurer of the Foundation, also spoke to the council about the progress.
The lodge is being constructed as a designated apprentice zone, with union apprentices working under the supervision of journeymen. This allows the work to be done at no cost to the city. Behlmann said the rain had hampered construction somewhat, but work was still progressing. The foundation was set and the walls have gone up.
The completed lodge will be valued at $800,000. The Nature Lodge is expected to help attract further grants.
Veach said the city had been in contact with both the Hazelwood and Ferguson -Florissant School Districts, and school officials are excited about the lodge. The Ferguson Florissant district already has its own nature center at Little Creek, but the district wanted to work with the city to create a center that would complement Little Creek, Veach said.
“They’ve been telling us what they don’t have and what they would like to see at Sunset Park,” Veach said. Hazelwood District officials, Veach said, have indicated they would help the city with the lodge.
In addition to being used by schools, Veach said the lodge would be open to the public. It will also have a room for meetings that will seat approximately 75. “It would be a beautiful setting for a wedding,” Veach said.
The lodge sits high on the bluff, near the entrance to the park. It is situated to take advantage of the the river views. The upper floor will contain the nature exhibits and the lower floor will contain the meeting room. The lower floor will open onto a patio, while the upper floor will have a deck.
Other improvements planned for the park include overlooks, trails, and a scout camp. The lodge is expected to open later this year.
