Elachee ready for new 'digs'

OAKWOOD - Elachee Nature Science Center in Gainesville is about to take advantage of some new digs. <br> <br> Organizers met a $1.4 million dollar fund raising goal in the fall and plans are underway to move into a new 4000 square foot building in under two weeks. <br> <br> Executive Director Andrea Timpone said it gives the center more space to serve. &#34;We&#39;ll be able to consolidate our offices. We&#39;ll have two wonderful new outdoor classrooms, as well as a large classroom.&#34;<br> <br> She said the new construction essentially triples the teaching space. <br> <br> 11 years ago Elachee moved into the existing buildings. Since that time, growth has exploded.<br> <br> &#34;At that time we served about 14,000 students from the Gainesville/Hall County school systems, as well maybe about 5000 general public.&#34;<br> <br> Timpone said the center now serves about 40,000 students and 10,000 general public during a year.<br> <br> She added that the biggest advantage is that the center will be able to hold more programs at the same time, such as in the busy summer months.<br> <br> The popular animatronic dinosaur display, Jurassic Journey, will remain open during the move as will the center in general.<br> <br> Elachee is open seven days a week, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.