Sawgrass Nature Center {City of Coral Springs}
The Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital (SNC) in Coral Springs is seeking funding from the city for several improvements to its aging property, according to city records.
The educational and wildlife rehabilitation center needs help paying for cleaning and painting of its administration and hospital buildings, replacement of its 19-year-old water heaters in both buildings, repair or replacement of its concrete sidewalks, and fixes to the chain-link fence surrounding the property.
“As anyone that manages a 4.5-acre property and 19-year-old buildings knows, something is always in need of repair,” Executive Director Robin Reccasina said in a recent letter to Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen. “After 19 years, the two buildings that house the hospital and nature center as well as other infrastructure are showing age … Without a maintenance person on staff, SNC relies on volunteers and partners such as the City of Coral Springs for help in keeping the buildings and property aesthetically pleasing, safe and functional.
“We are graciously asking the City of Coral Springs to consider helping us accomplish our most dire needs,” Reccasina said.
Since 1995, SNC has been a vital resource for children and animals through education programs and native wildlife rehabilitation, according to the center. Community programs such as “Meet Your Wildlife Friends” and Camp Wild have made a lasting impact on the lives of families and kids, who develop leadership skills and gain real-word wildlife experience at SNC.
Thousands of native animals have also been returned to the wild due to the nonprofit organization’s work.
SNC started out of the home of its founder, Joan Kohl, and later moved to its current location in Sportsplex Park. SNC’s wildlife rehabilitation program has treated and released thousands of native birds, mammals, and reptiles representing hundreds of species.
“The success of the last 30 years could not have been possible without community collaborations with individuals, other non-profits, corporate partners and most importantly the City of Coral Springs,” wrote Reccasina. “Departments such as Parks and Recreation are always willing to lend a hand to help keep the grounds and trees in good shape; we have benefitted from the expertise of the Public Works department on several occasions and Communications and Marketing are always supportive, just to name a few.”
Reccasina added that SNC has always tried to be a good partner to the city by working closely with its Humane Unit, hosting events like EarthFest, partnering on grants, serving on committees, participating in visioning workshops, and helping to develop programming.
SNC said it has found it easier to secure funding for programs and hospital food and supplies. But most grants will not fund overhead costs like payroll, insurance, and maintenance costs, such as those it is seeking help with from the city, Reccasina said.
Coral Springs commissioners are expected to discuss Reccesina’s request at a workshop Wednesday.
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