The Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has now taken occupancy of the Tyrrell Park Nature Center (TPNC) located at 3930 Babe Zaharias Drive. The 1935 CCC-built community center building is now the City’s newest tourism attraction, sitting in the middle of Tyrrell Park.
The TPNC’s mission is to provide understanding, appreciation, and conservation of nature with a focus on the wetlands through educational and recreational outreach to all ages and all people. The building will also pay homage to the unique history of the park, its historic structures, and its recreational components.
The Beaumont CVB used Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) dollars to salvage the building and renovate the historic structure so that it can expand our eco-tourism offerings to both visitors and locals alike. While further HOT dollars will be used to help fund the interpretative, educational exhibits, it will not be the only funding source sought. Sponsorships, grants, fundraising revenue streams, and donations will be needed to underwrite all the components to turn the full vision of the TPNC into a reality.
As one of the first steps of many in multiple phases to accomplish our mission, the TPNC has opened its main lobby to house the gift shop. This gift shop, formerly at the Cattail Marsh Wetlands Education Center, is now exclusively housed at the TPNC. New gift items and merchandise focused on the wetlands, pollinators, birds, and recreational activities at the park are now available for purchase by credit card only. No cash accepted.
The gift shop hours open to the public are Monday- Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a .m. - 2 p.m.
Over time, as the TPNC increases its underwriting and fundraising efforts, it will grow with additional staff allowing the gift shop hours to expand.
“My focus is not only to get the building operational by providing leadership for the implementation, and coordination of all activities and functions of the TPNC, but to also seek funding for our main exhibition and interpretative wings,” states Rebecca Woodland, Nature Center Manager.
“Showcasing the wetlands and marsh environment with a special emphasis on birds and pollinators as well as honoring the history of the building is foremost in our efforts.”
Not only will the TPNC serve as the hub or welcome center where visitors and residents can learn about the wildlife, environment, and ecology of the area but will also include other tourist amenities such as a visitor reception area with brochure racks of local visitor guides and maps, gift shop and restrooms. In addition, one wing of the building will be a parlor area where exhibits will highlight the history, art, and architecture of the building and Tyrrell Park.
Contact Rebecca Woodland for more information, to find out how to volunteer, to make an appointment, or to inquire how you can help us fund our vision and make the TPNC a reality.
