Voorheesville, NY
John Boyd Thacher State Park Visitor Center
Thacher State Park is situated along the Helderberg Escarpment, one of the richest fossil-bearing formations in the world. Even as it safeguards six miles of limestone cliff-face, rock-strewn slopes, woodland and open fields, the park provides a marvelous panorama of the Hudson-Mohawk Valleys and the Adirondack and Green Mountains. The park has served as one of the Capital District’s most beloved State Parks for nearly a century.
The new Thacher Park Visitor Center welcomes guests, provides park orientation, and engages visitors with interpretive elements and information about Park amenities and environmental resources. The Center is an interactive hub central to Park trails, geologic features and historic sites. The Visitor Center is carefully positioned to take best advantage of the sweeping panorama of the Hudson River Valley. The building and site are designed to accommodate year-round group activities and special events with one-of-a-kind views from atop the magnificent Helderberg Escarpment.
Saratoga Associates completed site and architectural design services from concept visioning through construction administration.
Project Highlights
- Provides access to unparalleled views of the Hudson River Valley
- Serves as a center for education, enrichment and connection to the environment
- Creates a dynamic facility that orients visitors to the Park’s scenic natural resources
- Site and Architectural design celebrates the context of the Helderberg Escarpment
- Archaeological and geological sites found and saved many artifacts on display
- Created new work force and recreational activities, including rock climbing and mountain biking
- Opportunities allow for financial stability through events, weddings, and rentals
- Solar arrays, radiant heat, passive cooling, and overhangs are all part of sustainable design
CLIENT:
NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation
YEAR COMPLETED:
2017
SERVICES:
Architectural Design
Programming
Landscape Architectural Design
Site Planning
Construction Administration
