MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Providing a natural, wild play area within the confines of a traditional park may seem like two contrasting ideas, but the Harris Nature Center Foundation hopes to marry the two concepts with their planned Nature Exploration Area.

"We conceived of the Nature Exploration Area as an area, where children could play on their own, off the paths, in nature, freely and the way we used to play when I was growing up," Patty Robbins, President of the HNC Foundation said.

Last year the HNC Foundation and Meridian Township hired an architect to take their ideas and create a drawing of the vision. Local artist Doug DeLind helped bring that vision to life by kicking off the Exploration Area with a giant cement turtle and a celebratory Turtle Toast.

"It's so big!" said DeLind. "I think I'm going to have to call the Guinness Book of World Records on this one."

This isn't the only big piece of the long-term project. Robbins said there's more to look forward to this summer.

"Hopefully, this summer we'll put in a log jam, meaning nicely, creatively stacked logs that you can walk on and climb on...maybe stones as well." Robbins said.

In order to do this and complete some of the infrastructure, Robbins said there is more funding that needs to take place.

She said: "We have a lot of fundraising plans. In addition to the Turtle Toast, we've had a silent auction each year in conjunction to the Winter Wonderland. People donate items...companies, local companies donate items or gift certificates and people bid."

The Foundation hopes that individuals or local businesses will be inspired to sponsor a particular component of the NEA. All major contributors will be honored on appreciation signs at the completed Nature Exploration Area.