Robert’s Lake nature-based play area promotes natural play and environmental stewardship
Robert's Lake received an outdoor classroom, nature-based play equipment and additional seating. In addition, a demonstration rain garden will be created. Students will come from the area, and bilingual outreach will be conducted. The outdoor classroom programs will be designed to educate people on issues like water conservation, water ecology, and water quality.
The City of Seaside, in partnership with Sustainable Seaside, has been selected as a Building Better Communities grant recipient from the American Water Charitable Foundation and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). The City of Seaside is one of three communities awarded this grant in 2017. Community parks like Robert’s Lake are vital in connecting children to nature.
Nature based play areas foster an appreciation for environmental stewardship, while providing opportunities for physical activity. In Seaside, community members will benefit by having a space dedicated to the education of urban water ecology for people of all ages, especially children.
On Friday, April 6, 2018, the City of Seaside broke ground on Robert's Lake Eco-Recreation Station, thanks to a Building Better Communities grant from the American Water Charitable Foundation and the National Recreation and Parks Association.
On Saturday, June 2, 2018, the American Water Company, NRPA, FOSPA, Sustainable Seaside, the SeaStars, our great Recreation & Public Works Departments & members of the community pitched in to beautify Robert’s Lake Park and prepare for the nature-based play area!
Robert's Lake Eco-Recreation Station will be open to the public on July 12, 2018 with the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 10 AM.
A coot is a small water bird with black plumage, lobed feet, and a long bill. Coots are native to the Robert's Lake area and therefore the mascot of the Eco-Recreation Station. The community was invited to name the official coot mascot. Congratulations to Erica Wallace for the winning name of "Roberto"!