Improvements completed at Morningside Nature Center, Splitrock Conservation Area, and Alfred A. Ring Park Nature Park

Press release from City of Gainesville

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The City of Gainesville’s Wild Spaces & Public Places Department, in collaboration with the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department, is excited to share project updates implemented at Morningside Nature Center, Split Rock Conservation Area, and Alfred A. Ring Nature Park. These enhancements represent significant strides toward developing a world-class park system in the City of Gainesville. 

Morningside Nature Center
3540 E. University Ave.
Improvements to the nature park included the replacement of the schoolhouse deck and ramp, achieving compliance with ADA standards. The project involved the removal and replacement of the existing deck and the addition of an ADA ramp. Green’s Home Improvements, LLC, executed the work at a cost of $19,524.26. 

The historic Hogan’s Cabin received a new cedar shake roof and chimney. The work was completed by Atlantic Roofing & Exteriors, LLC for $79,020. Additionally, the garden shed’s cedar shake roof was replaced by American Roofing, Inc. for the project cost of $4,900.

Replacement of the metal roof for the barn at the nature park was also completed. The work was done by American Roofing, Inc. The total project cost was $15,950.

Removal of border fencing was completed by R & B Fencing, Inc. for $5,000. Fencing replacement was completed by Peter Built Fence, LLC at the cost of $18,100.

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Split Rock Conservation Area
6371 SW 20th Ave.
Pedestrian boardwalks were constructed over the wetlands to provide hikers with access to additional areas of the conservation lands. Maintenance staff from the City’s Natural Resources Section designed and constructed the boardwalks with materials purchased with Wild Spaces & Public Places funds. The project cost was $43,800.79.

A kiosk and new trail markers were installed to provide hikers with navigation and additional information about the conservation area. Staff from the City’s Natural Resources Division installed the kiosk, and Wild Spaces & Public Places staff designed the kiosk map and information panel. The kiosk and printing costs were paid for with Wild Spaces & Public Places funds totaling $2,146.19

Bollards were installed at the entrance to the conservation area to prevent unauthorized vehicular access to the land. TPF Construction Services, LLC performed the work at a cost of $4,477.00.

Alfred A. Ring Nature Park
1801 NW 23rd Blvd.
Improvements to the park’s pavilion included removal and replacement of 10 wooden support columns with steel, powder-coated columns. The pavilion’s ceiling was also newly treated with wood stain. Pillars Welding and Trade Services performed the work at the cost of $15,958.30.

Repairs to the cascading water feature at the nature park’s Wildflower Garden included installing a new water pump, service lines, and control timer. The rocks on the water feature were also pressure washed to return the feature to its original beauty. Lawn Enforcement Agency, Inc. performed the work at the cost of $6,585.29.