Construction underway on Hidden Oaks expansion project

Construction is underway on an expansion and renovation project at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale. 

The $1.2 million project includes 2,000 square feet for new offices and a new multipurpose room, accessible restrooms, an additional exhibition area, and improved stroller parking. 

The work is scheduled to be completed in June 2022. 

The building will be closed for several months beginning in early 2022 for the interior renovations. Nearby residents should expect construction traffic on Royce Street and the possible temporary closures of the parking lot and Nature Playce.

Meanwhile, the Park Authority expects a limited impact on visitors. Programs and activities will continue at Hidden Oaks throughout the construction project. Like other nature centers, Hidden Oaks is only open to public walk-in visitors on weekends. 

The center is hosting most programs, including school field trips and family nature programs, outdoors. Nature Playce is open as are all the trails. The Woodland Wildlife Habitat walk featuring QR codes linking to videos at 11 stations is open. 

Several larger group programs, such as class field trips, are being hosted in the campfire/amphitheater area. Smaller groups are being held in the outdoor program shelter or by the woodland wildlife tree sculpture. 

Hidden Oaks is looking forward to hosting Fear-less Fest, the nature center’s largest evening event, at the end of October. 

Notices are posted online on the infrequent dates that the parking lot will be closed. Most weekdays and all weekends the parking lot is open with additional parking at the Packard Center (4020 Hummer Road).