Nature explore park opens at marina Published Oct. 10, 2014 By Diana White 81st Force Support Squadron KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The 81st Force Support Squadron is scheduled to cut the ribbon to a new Nature Explore Accessible Park at 4 p.m., Oct. 16 in Marina Park. The celebration will include the release of butterflies and ladybugs, flower planting and free refreshments. The Keesler community is invited to attend, especially Exceptional Family Member Program participants and families with special needs. Designed as an area of nature-based learning and creative play for children ages 12 and younger with developmental and physical challenges, the park spans one acre of Marina Park and is the first open concept Nature Explore Park in the state of Mississippi. According to Lt. Col. Sharon Nickelberry, 81st FSS commander, Keesler's Nature Explore Park is a very unique concept. "What makes this park different is not only it's accessibility to those who have special needs, but it's accessibility to the entire base population," said Nickelberry. "Most of the Nature Explore parks throughout the country are attached to a learning center of some sort. But at Keesler, the park is open to anyone who has base access." Several stations are included in the park where little ones can create tree trunk art, learn about pitch, sound and rhythm on natural musical instruments, or observe plants and animals. Designed with accessible features, the stations provide an opportunity for individual and group play which supports whole-child development and learning. "It's a privilege to have been chosen to host the Nature Explore concept," said Barbara Medlock, outdoor recreation director. "We are situated in a beautiful area of the base and the addition will not only enhance Marina Park, but will allow us to provide better quality of life opportunities for the Keesler community." In addition to the area at Marina Park, a second Nature Explore Accessible Playground has been developed at the Keesler Child Development Center. This park is open to CDC program participants and has many of the same features.