KAUKAUNA – The Nature Center at 1000 Islands Environmental Center in Kaukauna is getting a much-needed facelift.
Work began this week to install new siding on the roughly 50-year-old building, with the Kaukauna Street Department handling the installation.
The project was announced a year ago as part of a major upgrade to improve accessibility and safety, including replacing the boardwalk connecting the Environmental Center to the Nelson Overlook.
Last year the Nature Center received a much-needed flooring update.
This upgrade will replace the original wood siding with a lower maintenance product that will better withstand the elements, according to the 1000 Islands.
Additionally, several windows will be replaced over the next couple of years.
These updates will lower building maintenance and make the center more energy efficient, while giving the 50-year-old structure a fresh look.
Boardwalk project
Phase 1 of the boardwalk replacement project was completed in January, and phase 2 work will be under way this spring.
The City of Kaukauna has received a $240,000 grant from the David L. & Rita E. Nelson Family Fund to help replace over 2,700 feet of boardwalk along the Fox River as part of the 1000 Islands Environmental Center Boardwalk Project.
In addition to replacing the aging 4-foot-wide boardwalk with 6-foot-wide decking and toe-rails, the 1000 Islands Boardwalk Project will include additional hand-railings, bench areas, multi-lingual trail signage, native planting, and Kaukauna Public Library Storybook Walk signage stations for events and education.
