By: Erica Noggle
Paulding, Ohio – On Wednesday, October 26th, 2023, the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce marked a special moment at the Black Swamp Nature Center by hosting the ribbon cutting of the new Pavilion!
“We are thrilled to announce that our new pavilion is now open to visitors,” says Anna Gurney, Educational Specialist, Paulding Soil and Water Conservation District. “This project has been a labor of love, and we are grateful to everyone who has contributed to its success.”
The ODNR NatureWorks grant was awarded in November of 2021 for Black Swamp Nature Center improvements. The amount awarded was $40,726. Those funds were used for updates to the interior of the Nature Center Building in 2022 and the pavilion was built in 2023. To complete the pavilion, additional funds were needed. Many donations were received from the community including those from the Paulding County Area Foundation, Cooper Farms Foundation, Paulding Putnam Operation Round Up, and Ag Credit Mission Funds allowing for the completion of the project.
The beautiful pavilion is custom designed for the site allowing it to fit perfectly into the natural setting. It is open to the public during daylight hours and is first come, first served. We are proud to have it as an improvement to the Black Swamp Nature Preserve. Come enjoy the Pavilion’s serene surroundings, a perfect spot for gatherings, picnics, and appreciating the beauty of nature.
