Nature Exploration Area at Morrison Nature Center

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Photo of metal horse artwork in front of Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch.

Play. Learn. Explore.

The city of Aurora's Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department is seeking input from the community for the new inclusive outdoor nature exploration area being built at Morrison Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road. The exploration area will consist primarily of elements and textures found in nature, including tree logs, boulders, plants, stumps and climbing elements, all dependent on the final design.

Over time, Star K Ranch has been a special place where species of all kinds come together to find water, food, shelter, safety, and connection. Aurora residents can feel grounded as they enjoy the riparian ecosystem of Star K Ranch.

The new nature exploration area at Star K Ranch will nurture the history of this unique Aurora Open Space while encouraging its community to explore, connect, and play.

Play. Learn. Explore.

The city of Aurora's Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department is seeking input from the community for the new inclusive outdoor nature exploration area being built at Morrison Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road. The exploration area will consist primarily of elements and textures found in nature, including tree logs, boulders, plants, stumps and climbing elements, all dependent on the final design.

Over time, Star K Ranch has been a special place where species of all kinds come together to find water, food, shelter, safety, and connection. Aurora residents can feel grounded as they enjoy the riparian ecosystem of Star K Ranch.

The new nature exploration area at Star K Ranch will nurture the history of this unique Aurora Open Space while encouraging its community to explore, connect, and play.

  • Nature Exploration Area Final Designs

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    Nature is the best playground! We’re building an inclusive nature exploration area at Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch to encourage community members of all ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoors, connect safely with nature and practice healthy and playful lifestyles.

    Join the city of Aurora’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department and Goodbee & Associates for an open house to review the final designs for the exploration area. The drop-in open house will be Saturday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to Noon at Morrison Nature Center, 16002 E. Smith Road.

    Final design plans are also available for review here.

    The nature exploration area will focus on connecting visitors of all ages and abilities with nature in fun and unique ways. Accessible play elements will encourage both sensory play through natural materials such as sand, rocks, and twigs as well as pretend play through components such as the beaver lodge and dinosaur hill.

    The nature exploration area is currently anticipated to open in early 2025.

    Share in the comments below what element you are most excited about!

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  • Nature Exploration Area Open House Sept. 30

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    What happens when you combine nature and play? Fun for all!

    Join the city of Aurora’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department and Goodbee & Associates for an open house to review final plans for the nature exploration area at Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch. Learn more about the project, discover what elements will be included and talk with staff about the inclusive space that will be built outside of Morrison Nature Center.

    The drop-in open house will be Saturday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to Noon at Morrison Nature Center, 16002 E. Smith Road. All ages are welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be provided.

    Designs will be available to review online at the end of September as well.

    The nature exploration area will add new and unique ways for visitors to engage with the natural environment at Star K Ranch. It will provide a needed resource for community members of all ages and abilities to learn about the ecosystems in Aurora, enjoy the outdoors, connect safely with nature and practice healthy and playful lifestyles.

    Please email Sara Van Holbeck at svanholb@auroragov.org if you plan to attend and are in need of interpretation services (Spanish, ASL or another language) by 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22.

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  • Nature Exploration Area Concept & Designs

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    Following public feedback, city of Aurora staff and the Goodbee & Associates team have created plans for the nature exploration area at Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch. Join us for a public meeting to review the plans and provide input about the project from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 16 at Morrison Nature Center, 16002 E. Smith Road.

    Plans can also be viewed here. Photos included are examples similar elements; final designs may differ.

    Please share any questions or feedback as a comment below.

    Tell us in a comment below – what part of the exploration area are you most excited about?

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  • Public Meeting for Nature Exploration Area at Morrison Nature Center March 16

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    Join us for a public meeting about the new inclusive outdoor nature exploration area being built at Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch.

    The public meeting will include a review of designs as well as opportunities for guests to share their ideas on what natural elements, spaces and exploratory tools should be included in the area. The meeting will be a drop-in format and all ages are welcome to attend and provide feedback.

    Thursday, March 16, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Morrison Nature Center, 16002 E. Smith Road

    The nature exploration area will add new and unique ways for visitors to engage with the natural environment at Star K Ranch. It will provide a needed resource for community members of all ages and abilities to learn about the ecosystems in Aurora, enjoy the outdoors, connect safely with nature and practice healthy and playful lifestyles.

    Please email Sara Van Holbeck at svanholb@auroragov.org if you plan to attend and are in need of interpretation services (Spanish, ASL or another language) by 5 p.m. Friday, March 10.

  • Survey for nature exploration area has closed

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    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
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    Thank you to all who shared their input on the new nature exploration area that is being built at Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch. This survey has officially closed.

    City of Aurora staff are reviewing public feedback and will take input into consideration for the final plans of the area. Follow this project via the button in upper right corner for updates on next steps.

Page last updated: 02 Nov 2023, 09:49 AM