Darien Nature Center Remains Closed Due To Flooding: 'We Are All Devastated'

DARIEN, CT — The Darien Nature Center and its preschool remain closed due to a flood in the building last week.

According to a recent statement released by the center, the building is "unlikely" to reopen by March 30, pending all required approvals.

The preschool area suffered "significant water damage" last Monday.

"I am so sorry to share that the damage to our building is far worse than we initially expected. What we first thought was manageable has turned out to be extensive and deeply disruptive. We are all devastated," said Darien Nature Preschool Director Ursula Lewis in a statement released last week.

"As much as we want to reopen immediately, we are not legally allowed to do so until both the state and town health departments have fully inspected the building and deemed it safe for occupancy. The safety of your children and our staff has to come first," Lewis added.

Lewis thanked the community for their support since the flood and associated damage were discovered on March 17.

"The outpouring of support has meant so much—your kind messages, your empathy, your offers to help clean, and even offers to donate. I feel deeply grateful and truly blessed to be surrounded by such a caring and generous group of families," Lewis said. "We miss your children so, so much. The building feels incredibly empty without them, and we hate that they are missing out on their time here with us.

Lewis apologized for the disruption.

"We know how incredibly difficult it is to find alternative childcare on short notice, and we do not take that lightly. Please know how much we wish things were different," she said.

Updates on the building's status will be posted to social media and the nature center's website.

The Darien Nature Center earlier this month announced that the Riley Family Foundation pledged a $50,000 challenge grant to support the reimagining of the center’s Animal Room, which serves as the focal point of the organization’s educational programming.

At the time, the Nature Center said it had raised more than $150,000 toward its $250,000 fundraising goal, and the Riley Family Foundation grant was intended to encourage additional community donations to help fund the remaining balance.

Plans for the redesigned Animal Room include three-dimensional trees, immersive murals and naturalistic habitats reflecting Connecticut’s native ecosystems.

The updated space is expected to serve thousands of visitors each year, including preschool and elementary school students, families, scouts and community groups, offering an interactive setting for hands-on learning.

Construction was tentatively scheduled to begin immediately after the conclusion of the preschool year.