Brand new ramp now open at ‘Ding,’ and renovated auditorium completed
By MEGHAN BRADBURY
mbradbury@breezenewspapers.com The reconstruction of the entrance ramp, which was damaged by Hurricane Ian, has opened to the Visitor and Education Center at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
“We just opened and we are ready to go,” “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society Executive Director Ann-Marie Wildman said.
The new ramp opened on Saturday, Oct. 17, as well as the debut of the newly renovated auditorium.
She said the boardwalk, which was about 25 years old, has gone through years of hurricanes and bad weather. When Hurricane Ian damaged a good amount of the wood, it was determined it was time to replace the boardwalk.
The Visitor and Education Center was closed in August, so the work could be done.
“They had to replace the pilings,” Wildman said. “All the deck is new and it connects to America’s Best Bathrooms at the Refuge.”
The archway was expected to be put in place Friday.
The auditorium also had extensive work done.
“We took it completely down to the studs and built it back up with acoustic panels in the walls,” she said.
A special system for the hearing impaired was included in the work — a T system — that allows individuals to hook right into the sound when there are films and lectures. Wildman said a top of the line, state-of-the-art Megatron screen — at least 9 feet by 6 feet high — has also been included in the auditorium
“All new carpeting, new lights, new art display system, new spot lights for the artwork, and all new chairs (have also be added to the auditorium),” Wildman said.
Visitors have the chance to enjoy the new auditorium with the exciting exhibition, “2026 Revive! Trash to Fashion: The Couture Collection.” The exhibit will take place in the auditorium from Thursday, Nov. 12, through Sunday, Dec. 27.
“We will have it all staged in the new auditorium,” Wildman said of the mannequins displaying the recycled material fashions.
Thirty designer made pieces will be on display.
“They are spectacular. They are over the top beautiful,” she said. “We saw the designs as they were working on them. They are gorgeous. It is so fun and educational because people really see all the things that end up in the landfill. The creativity is amazing.”
Wildman said the Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point will also have the pieces on display from Jan. 8 through Feb. 18, 2027.
This year, Wildman said they were able to increase the prize money to a total of $10,000 in overall prizes. The first place winner will receive $5,000. There are also second, third, and junior prizes given.
The auditorium was the first step of a complete face lift of the center, as the Visitor and Education Center is about 26 years old. The upgrades will be done in phases over the next three to four years.
Other upgrades will include displays, technical equipment, and a new area for children with more interactive enhancements.
The Visitor and Education Center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and closed on Fridays and the holidays.