Construction begins on Wildcat Creek Learning Lab

Dunwoody, GA – July 9, 2025 – The City of Dunwoody and Dunwoody Nature Center will officially break ground on the new Wildcat Creek Learning Lab during a ceremony on Wednesday, July 16 at 10:30 a.m. City Council Members will join Nature Center leadership to celebrate the launch of this transformative project aimed at meeting the growing demand for nature-based education and programming.

Located within the city’s 25-acre park, the two-story, 2,500-square-foot building will include three flexible classroom spaces, dedicated office space, three bathrooms, and a second-story outdoor deck for immersive, hands-on learning experiences.

“Wildcat Creek Learning Lab will be transformative, allowing us to serve more program participants and park visitors throughout the year,” said Dunwoody Nature Center Executive Director Nancy Longacre. “Our current facilities are no longer sufficient to meet the growing demand for outdoor nature camps, field trips and community programs. This new space will help us expand our reach and deepen our impact.”

Once complete, the Learning Lab will boost program capacity by 20%, opening doors for more than 700 additional families annually. Planned additions include a morning preschool program and an expanded K-5 after-school curriculum - furthering the Nature Center’s mission to connect people of all ages with the natural world.

“Dunwoody Park is one of our city’s greatest assets,” said Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch. “This investment in outdoor learning reflects our commitment to education, community, and the environment. Council and I are proud to support a project that brings all three together in such a meaningful way.”

The $2.5 million project is funded through a combination of private donations and public support, including a $1 million investment from the City of Dunwoody. The first phase of construction will focus on critical watershed infrastructure: installing stormwater systems, trench drains, curbing, and pedestrian pathways for a new plaza that will connect the Learning Lab with the Main Building.

Construction is expected to take six months. For more information and project updates, click here.

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For more information regarding the City of Dunwoody, please contact Jennifer Boettcher, Communications Director: 678.382.6881, email.

For more information regarding Dunwoody Nature Center, please contact Lisa Rae Bowman, Marketing Communications Manager, by email.

Posted by CHA