The generous teacher-firing state has offered the city $88,593 from the Department of Commerce for improvements to the WNC Nature Center. The center is but one of 25-30 centers that accepts the grants annually.

This action complies with the Parks, Recreation, Cultural Arts & Greenways Master Plan in that it increases department funding with alternative funding via grants and ensuring a high level of service in parks and facilities [even if it must be achieved by ensuring a low level of housing for the taxpaying poor].

The funds will also “assist in fulfilling standards and maintaining Nature Center accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.”