Green Cay Wetlands & Nature CenterBoynton Beach, FL |
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Located on a 125-acre site east of the Southern Region Water Reclamation Facility, the County wanted to develop a Wetlands Restoration Project with boardwalks, parking center and a large interpretative center for public enjoyment of the wetlands. Returning the former farm back to its original state, a wetland, using water from the reclamation facility is a prime example of how society can and must work with nature to sustain our resources in Florida.
The 10,000 SF Interpretative Center is designed in the old Florida Cracker Style with modifications to make the facility maintainable, cost efficient and to incorporate the latest technology. The old Florida style building has a metal roof, decks surrounding the building, expansive use of glass and French doors opening up the entire space. The building spans over the water, resting on concrete pilings, giving visitors the feeling of being in the center of nature. Materials used on the nature/educational center are
environmentally sensitive and maintainable. The exterior lap siding looks like wood, but is made of a fiber-cement material (Hardiplank System). At the core of the facility, a hands-on display allows children and adults of all ages to examine turtles and other creatures in their watery habitat. Exhibits with explanations of the wetlands’ role in sustainability for the County surround the center display area. Expansive windows provide panoramic views of the natural beauty of the area. Visitors can explore the 1.5 miles of boardwalks where explanatory kiosks continue to tell the story of the importance of the wetlands.