As part of The Maryland Great Outdoors Act, a statewide initiative to improve park infrastructure, the Sparks Bank Nature Center has received a new standing-seam metal roof to replace the aging asphalt-shingled roof. This marks a significant investment of state money on the Nature Center and a return to a historically accurate aesthetic for the 1915-era Sparks Bank building. Along with the roof, soffits, soffit vents, gutters, and downspouts were replaced. The angle of the gutter drainage was reversed to direct rainwater away from the foundation of the building and toward our planned rain barrels and rain garden.
The replacement of the roof will make our recent renovations to the heating and cooling system of the building more efficient and will allow for the replacement of the drop ceiling with an insulated, tin-look stamped ceiling for which Gunpowder RIVERKEEPER® has already secured grant funding. This addition will continue to restore the Nature Center to a period-appropriate look and continue to improve the efficiency of the heating and cooling system. Both the HVAC and the ceiling insulation have been funded by generous grant contributions from The Campbell Foundation.
Be sure to stop by 1207 Sparks Road to check out our snazzy new green roof and to come in to chat about our latest projects.
