Cape Fear Museum will break ground for its Outdoor Learning Environment at 11 a.m. Tuesday.
The groundbreaking ceremony, which is free and open to the public, will take place adjacent to the Cape Fear Museum at the corner of Eighth and Market streets. Remarks will be made by the Museum Director Sheryl Kingery Mays, New Hanover County Commissioners Chairman Jonathan Barfield Jr. and Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo.
The Outdoor Learning Environment (OLE) is an urban green space, free and accessible to the community, according to a news release from the museum. Its interconnected park-like landscape and interactive exhibits will introduce visitors to some of the ways that people have interacted with the region’s land and water resources through time and how these interactions have shaped the history of the Lower Cape Fear region.
Visitors to the park can engage with hands-on exhibits, explore gardens featuring native and adaptive plants, learn about historic objects and images, and enjoy special educational activities. The park’s design encourages physical activity and learning through discovery, observation and play. The Outdoor Learning Environment is scheduled to open in the fall of 2015.
From 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Cape Fear Museum will host a free family day featuring hands-on nature and conservation activities with Cape Fear Raptor Center, Halyburton Park, N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher, National Weather Service, New Hanover County environmental management, parks and gardens and library departments, and UNCW WiSE.
In 2006, residents of Wilmington and New Hanover County passed a bond referendum to expand parks, green space, and cultural facilities throughout Wilmington, New Hanover County, and the beach towns. In 2008, the City of Wilmington sought community and citizen input on parks, recreation, and open space needs and priorities.
Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, 814 Market St., is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. General admission is $8 for adults; $7 for seniors, students and military with valid ID; $5 for children 6-17; and free for children 5 and under and for museum members. New Hanover County residents’ free day is the first Sunday of each month. Visit www.capefearmuseum.com for more information.
