Branson has some new ideas about how to draw in tourists and make the city a little greener. City leaders are interested in creating a Nature Center along Highway 76 and Fall Creek Road. This project would be modeled after the nature center in Springfield.
Alderman Rick Davis says he believes it can only help Branson. “We have so many visitors from out of town. 30,000 cars a day travel past this sight so it could really make a big difference in educating people about one of the reasons people come to Branson, the natural beauty,” said Davis.
That’s why Davis is trying to gather supporters of the project. Retired High School teacher Clark Harris is one them. He’s also the current chairman of the Branson Zoning Board. He says the center will generate interest from schools. “It’s often a concern of teachers how do you get students out into nature. How do you get them to relate to nature and to connect to nature,” said Harris.
Harris says a nature center would also offer people a chance to learn more about conservation and wildlife.” You get this great diversity of animals and plants that are there and you can see it all at a very short difference. It’s history, it’s nature. It’s all together and its what the Ozarks is all about,” said Harris.
Davis says funding is the roadblock for this project. He says the size of the nature center will depend on the amount of money available.
“If you ask citizens locally, generally speaking yeah, they think it’s a great idea. I’m sure they don’t want to see an increase in taxes to pay for it.”
Davis says the city plans to apply for federal and state grants to generate the funding. He says the city is also open to making partnerships with local companies. Harris says he’s just happy to see the idea is moving forward. “It’s going to take a while but i can see it being something really great for everybody, visitors and residents alike,” said Harris.
Davis says the city already held one town meeting about this issue in March. The community seemed to respond well to the idea. He says the city will continue to keep everyone informed as plans move forward.
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