Public invited to ribbon cutting for new Log Jam playscape Dec. 11

Harris Nature Center Foundation has invited the public to the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Log Jam play feature at Harris Nature Center. The event is Wednesday, Dec. 11, 11 a.m., at 3998 Van Atta Road, Okemos.

The Log Jam fosters development of gross motor skills — i.e. walking, crawling and balancing. It also encourages imagination in kids of all ages, mimicking what they would do if they came upon a log or stump in the woods. It includes log balance beams, stumps, oversized mushrooms and a log crawl-through tunnel.

“The new Log Jam was made possible by the generous donation of the Harris Nature Center Foundation and the Kiwanis Club of Haslett-Okemos," said Courtney Wisinski, Meridian Township parks and recreation director. "This unique feature invites children to climb, explore, and let their imaginations run wild in the heart of nature.”

The new addition to the Center's Nature Exploration Area cost $45,074. The Kiwanis Club of Haslett-Okemos donated $20,000, and the Harris Nature Center Foundation covered the remaining. It replaces the original Log Jam installed in 2015, which had deteriorated over time.

Harris Nature Center Foundation President Alexa Warwick said, “We’re thrilled to have this new addition to the Harris Nature Center for kids to enjoy for many years to come. This upgrade reflects the foundation’s commitment to enhance Nature Center facilities. We couldn’t do it without the generous support of the community.”

The playscape was purchased from and installed by Michigan-based Sinclair Recreation and partner GameTime.

Other special projects funded by the Harris Nature Center Foundation in 2024 include:

• A concrete bed for the popular hands-on Fossil Dig educational exhibit. Larger fossils were embedded in the concrete; other real and replica Michigan fossils were rehidden in sand that topped the concrete bed.
• A weather-themed interactive play panel — a hands-on activity that teaches kids about weather and days of the week in nature's classroom.
• Bus scholarships for schools to help students in Greater Lansing attend HNC educational programs.

Harris Nature Center Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2006 to provide a source of funding for special projects that the quality of nature appreciation and education at the Harris Nature Center, a 48-acre park operated by Meridian Township. More information is at http://hncfoundation.weebly.com. For questions, contact the Harris Nature Center at 517.349.3866 or hnc@meridian.mi.us.

Harris Nature Center, 3998 Van Atta Rd., Okemos, comprises 48 acres of the Meridian Riverfront Park. HNC offers environmental activities and outdoor recreation opportunities that focus on protecting, promoting and interpreting the Red Cedar River.

Park amenities include a half-mile of paved trail, several miles of natural trails, the River Overlook, Nature Exploration Area and the accessible observation deck with three commercial binocular stands. The Nature Building provides interpretive exhibits, nature murals by local artists, and displays of live, native Michigan wildlife. A pavilion is available for event rental. Meridian Township staff offers educational programs for visitors of all ages.