FOLEY, Ala. — Rain and mud didn’t keep more than two dozen people away from Graham Creek Nature Preserve’ Outdoor Classroom grand opening Friday morning.

Foley city leaders, state dignitaries and families took part in the festivities that celebrated the Preserve’s latest feature, which includes weather-resistant musical instruments, play facilities, a stage, seating and an educational garden.

The festivities included a ribbon cutting, Easter Egg Hunt, refreshments and craft opportunities that included the opportunity to plant wildflower seeds and take the pot home.

While welcoming attendees, City of Foley Environmental Manager Leslie L. Gahagan explained that the Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom offers various creative and imaginative areas for children to play surrounded by the natural environment. She pointed out that the facility includes a gathering area for stories, a sand and dirt digging area for play, a gardening area, a music and movement area, a climbing and action area, messy materials area, building area and a nature art area.

As with the rest of the Preserve’s facilities, admission to the outdoor classroom is free, with donations accepted to purchase additional materials.

The idea for the Nature Explore Classroom came about in late 2012 when the program was advertised in a Tree City publication as an educational tool for children to explore outdoors in urban areas. In 2013 the city received a grant through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources State Lands Division for the development of a Nature Explore landscape architect plan. In October, the state granted additional funds to construct the Outdoor Classroom, a $100,000 project.

Construction of the classroom was accomplished with volunteers from Boy Scouts and Genesis Church helping. One such volunteer was Scot Caleb Santa Cruz, who build several features as part of his Eagle Scout project.

“He took his spring break,” said Santa Cruz’s mother, Meloday at Friday’s grand opening.

If the grand opening’s turnout was any indication, the classroom will get plenty of use.

“I’m impressed,” said Phillip Hinesley of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “This is great for the community.”

“It’s beautiful, well designed with a lot of stations for kids,” agreed Foley City Councilman Rick Blackwell.

Katy Claire Doyle of Elberta echoed those sentiments.

“This is great — an awesome addition,” she said.

Gahagan said that she was glad people braved the inclement weather to usher in the classroom.

“We’ve seen the kids in action,” she said.

Graham Creek Nature Preserve is located at 23004 Wolf Bay Drive, Foley. For more information, call Foley City Hall at 943-1545.