The January 2005 storm coated Herman Hill Park in a layer of shimmering ice. Some trees sustained damage, but the fountains and aquariums were undamaged. Cardinals, Juncos, and other song birds are attracted to the sound of water during the winter months.

A one-of-a kind venture, the WATER Center offers a hands-on, interactive environmental center dedicated to the education and health issues caused by water and pollution. This facility has the potential to reach far outside the community affected by the Gilbert-Mosley contamination and to provide education for the understanding and prevention of many water pollution related activities.

While exploring the treatment facility plaza, visitors learn the story of the Gilbert-Mosley Project and why the WATER Center was built. They learn how the local polluted groundwater is cleaned, how pollution can affect health, and what can be done to prevent future pollution. They can see a demonstration of various water-dependent landscapes as well as xeriscapes. The cleaned water supports all kinds of aquatic wildlife that can be viewed through “windows” in the outdoor fish observatory. A series of paths and bridges lead visitors along an artificial creek and eventually to the Arkansas River where the treated groundwater will join the river. The paths provide visitors viewing opportunities for other wildlife attracted to the creek as well as demonstrative exhibits on buffer strips and non-point source pollution.

Another opportunity for visitors is the environmental education building that houses a classroom, an aquarium, and exhibits focused on the Gilbert-Mosley project, pollution, and the unique and life-supporting qualities of water. The aquarium is home to native species such as minnows and offers information on why these small creatures are so dependent on water quality. In addition, the relationships between the geology and geography of the area, groundwater and surface waters are also explored.

Visitors to the WATER Center walk away with an understanding of water and groundwater, water pollution and its prevention and cleanup process.

To schedule a tour, contact Libby Albers or Kay Drennen at (316) 337-9262.

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