With its stunning scenic views, The Minnewaska State Park stands tp provide tough competition to other national parks in the US. Among Shawangunk Ridges, sky lakes and cliffscapes, a pathway guides you through an enchanting forest, rendering the park’s wonders reachable to everyone. If there is one thing missing from this haven, it is a visitor centre to welcome and host guests for an unmatched experience.
To that effect, the Governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, announced that the construction of a brand-new visitor centre is underway at the Minnewaska Park. This venture is a public-private partnership with Open Space Institute. The visitor centre is set to be a 5,000 square foot facility that will serve as an educational and informative point for visiting guests.
Owing to a survey conducted in 2014 regarding visitor concerns, this facility will feature restrooms and public drinking water to fulfil the needs of guests. The $6.1 million visitor centre is launching a public campaign to raise funds for its completion.
The Minnewaska Visitor Center will provide the ultimate ground to prepare and inform guests as they set out to explore the park. The State Park attracts many visitors, generating revenue and encouraging purchase from local vendors. In light of its direct and indirect economic impact, it is pertinent that the Park is maintained and improved to provide the best experience possible.
In figures, an average sum of $13,051,000 is generated by around 392,659 guests visiting the three park reserves, with spending of $33.24 per visitor. To encourage this revenue as well as the number of jobs supported, a visitor centre is set to be launched to enhance the appeal of the park.
The Minnewaska Visitor Centre is being deemed as “a memorable gateway to an unforgettable place”. The visitor centre will act as the one-stop destination where guests can get all their information. Adopting the role of a tour guide hub, visitors can learn all that Minnewaska has to offer, and get important tips from the staff to fully enjoy the park and all it has to its credit.
The centre will serve as a spot to meet and interact with friends, a place to warm up before you continue your journey, refill your supplies and give yourself a little break before treading out again. The centre will act as an additional attraction to the park, heightening the overall experience.
The learning spaces will offer guidance to visitors who don’t know where to start exploring. While everyone is aware of Minnewaska’s stunning beauty, not many people are aware of its history. To appreciate and preserve the Park, the visitor centre acquainting guests about the importance of this location will ensure the public realizes the care and preservation this Park deserves.
Jennifer Cunningham, OSI trustee and occupant of the Shawangunks, Jim Ottoway will act as cochairs for the project. OSI stresses on the inclusion of state-of-the art, collaborative exhibits displaying the park’s cultural, historical and geological significance for its 500,000 annual visitors.
“I am honoured to co-chair and support this campaign, which will enhance the Minnewaska experience for generations to come,” Cunningham stated, “We look to the community of friends and neighbours who have been touched by the park’s beauty to join with us and help create a long needed and well-deserved visitor gateway.”
