(August 20, 2020) Many supportive neighbors and a surprising number of visitors from around Wisconsin and other places in the Midwest have visited with us to learn about when the facility is going to re-open. Here, we briefly summarize an answer to this question, and an update.
Well, now you can find your way to the reserve! Arrows point the way to TWR on the new Three Waters Reserve. The design for the signs was a community process involving school children who really appreciated regularly seeing the adult and red fox puppies that live at Three Waters Reserve. We also incorporated the comments from other neighbors about the lush first-year display of wildflowers, which is incorporated into the signage artwork.
The interior construction of the former golf clubhouse is nearly completed. An eye-catching, beautiful new bar and other interior features have been finalized. At this time the last of the new appliances are being installed in the kitchen and bar. Starting soon, the porch will be expanded to wrap around the new Three Waters Reserve Center building. And, in the rear of the building, the wood fencing will be removed and a patio and timber structure will be constructed. Look for these changes over the next month or so.
The TWR web site has been constructed with the help of many community members who have provided photographs of wildlife, wildflowers, and of their family walking and enjoying the trails. Soon, the web site will be launched. This is where TWR updates will be available in the future.
We are receiving more and more requests for holding parties, workshops, and even weddings at the TWR. At this time, because of COVID, we are exploring the opportunity to do outside events, where safe distancing can be assured. Members of the SWLC board, outside community advisors, and the facility event coordinator, Erica Roth, and other partners are now planning and deciding how to re-open the facility to ensure everyone health and safety during this time with State, Federal COVID related guidance and requirements. We are also following closely what the Center for Disease Control suggests and what other nature centers and similar facilities to TWR are thinking about doing.
One thing for sure, an open house is likely to be part of the future, like we did in the past, to commemorate the work of so many community members, local businesses, and neighbors who have supported the Three Waters Reserve project. Here’s an early thank you to everyone from the Southern Wisconsin Land Conservancy, for your thoughtful help and contributions to The Waters Reserve.