New Visitor Center at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center Celebrates Grand Opening
A ribbon cutting was held on June 22nd to celebrate the grand opening of the new visitor center at the Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in Delmar, New York. MJ provided site/civil design, environmental engineering and landscape architecture services on this project.
The new $8.9 million visitor center, funded by NY Works and the State’s Environmental Protection Fund, invites visitors to explore Five Rivers’ local fields, ponds, forests, birds, and history through interactive displays and exhibits. The project includes a new 9,500-sq. ft. single story frame structure that fits within the architectural and site context of the surrounding community. The new building doubled the size of the existing center.
Green features of the new center include green building materials, wood harvested from onsite trees, green roof, solar photovoltaic system, geothermal heating/cooling system, operable windows and roof vents, low flow toilets, LED lighting and motion detection capabilities, and rain water collection and gray water system.
The design included an evaluation of the treatment facilities and their ability to meet NYSDEC Stormwater Management Design Standards. MJ evaluated the design to determine compliance with NYSDEC and LEED standards for stormwater. MJ also prepared a narrative describing the stormwater treatment practices and how the practices comply with NYSDEC and LEED requirements. The project will receive LEED certification.
"New York is home to world-class parks, campgrounds, outdoor recreation, as well as unparalleled natural beauty in every corner of this great state," Governor Cuomo said. "The new facility at Five Rivers and our Adventure NY initiative will help connect New Yorkers and visitors alike the great outdoors and grow the next generation of environmental stewards."
