Perrysburg Township nature center opens next month

3/15/2005

BOWLING GREEN - The new nature center at the W.W. Knight Preserve in Perrysburg Township is scheduled to open April 23, not only for educational programs but for party and meeting rentals as well.

The Wood County Park District's board of commissioners voted yesterday to rent the center's great room to county residents for $100 Monday through Thursday and $250 Friday through Sunday. Out-of-county residents would pay $150 for the facility on weekdays and $400 on weekends.

Park District Director Neil Munger said the great room will have a capacity of 100 to 125, making it a nice venue for wedding receptions and holiday parties.

The board also agreed to charge renters who would like to serve alcohol an additional $75 permit fee and a $150 refundable deposit to cover any damages to the property. Mr. Munger said the policy is similar to what the park district has at the popular Stone Hall at Otsego Park.

The $1.2 million nature center has been promised since 1993 when the Knight family donated the 42-acre property at East River and White roads to the park district. The center is being paid for through donations and the park district's general fund.