Ulster County, NY (June 12, 2022)—The Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at Minnewaska State Park Preserve has been recognized with the Green Good Design Global Sustainability Award for the building’s many advanced features, including energy conservation, wildlife protection, and clean water. The Visitor Center is the result of a public-private partnership between the Open Space Institute and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation and is serving as a new gateway into Minnewaska for more than half a million visitors as they explore the park’s 24,000 acres.
The award was presented by the European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies and The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design in acknowledgement of the many ways the visitor center was designed by BKSK Architects to blend into the surrounding landscape, reduce the building’s carbon footprint, and support the needs of park visitors in a remote location.
OSI raised $3 million in private fundraising to elevate the center’s offerings, including its architectural design, special sustainability features, and the creation of educational exhibits within the center.
“OSI is proud of the role we played in designing the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center, supporting its green design and construction, and creating interpretive exhibits that match the splendor of this site. It is gratifying to see the tireless work and passion of all those who worked on the project receive global recognition," said Kim Elliman, president, and CEO of the Open Space Institute. “The center highlights the Open Space Institute’s ongoing commitment to Minnewaska, including our 40-year history expanding the park and making it more welcoming and enjoyable to visitors.”
“The Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center has dramatically improved our visitor experience and park operations. Minnewaska receives first time visitors daily and all are amazed with the quality and design of the visitor center. Visitors now have a world class facility to become oriented and gain knowledge about the park preserve’s unique history, geology, ecology, sensitive resources and recreational opportunities. The Visitor Center blends into the landscape and the exhibits designed by MOEY flow with this building design educating visitors for generations to come. We are very fortunate to have a tremendous partnership with the Open Space Institute and thank all of the doners that supported the project,” said Minnewaska State Park Preserve Park Superintendent Erik Humphrey.