DEC Breaks Ground on New Outdoor Pavilion at Maurice D. Hinchey Catskill Interpretive Center
September 18, 2017
New Pavilion Supports Governor Cuomo's Adventure NY Initiative to Connect New Yorkers with Nature
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced plans for a new outdoor pavilion at the Maurice D. Hinchey Catskill Interpretive Center (CIC) in Mt. Tremper, town of Shandaken, Ulster County, during a formal groundbreaking ceremony. The new outdoor pavilion will provide the public with a picnicking location, venue for CIC educational programs, and a place for groups to meet and start their Catskill adventures. The improvements are part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's Adventure NY Initiative to connect more New Yorkers with nature.
"DEC is committed to making the outdoors more accessible and enjoyable for all New Yorkers and this new, impressive outdoor pavilion will help make this a reality in the Catskills by helping visitors and locals make the most of their outdoor recreational experience," said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. "These improvements, through Governor Cuomo's Adventure NY initiative, are just a sample of the recreational upgrades that New York has underway to better serve everyone who wants to enjoy our state's great outdoors."
The Maurice D. Hinchey Catskill Interpretive Center serves as a gateway for outdoor enthusiasts to learn about the Catskill Park's vast opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. The center showcases the Catskills' natural resources and recreational opportunities by providing information about the 700,000-acre Catskill Park, New York City's one million-acre Catskill/Delaware drinking watershed, and ways to recreate and enjoy these treasured natural resources.
Senator James L. Seward said, "The new Catskill Interpretive Center is helping highlight all the Catskills has to offer - drawing new explorers to the region and offering area families and residents with yet another terrific outdoor resource. Adding new features at the center, like the outdoor pavilion, will enhance the visitor experience and increase usage, unlocking the full potential of this wonderful venue."
Ulster County Executive, Mike Hein said, "The construction of a new pavilion is a wonderful addition to the Maurice D. Hinchey Catskill Interpretive Center, which is already a true gem of the Catskills. Natural beauty and countless outdoor activities already make Ulster County a world-class destination and the new addition to the CIC will be another asset by providing space for meeting, picnicking, education and more. I want to thank Governor Andrew Cuomo and Commissioner Basil Seggos for their commitment to the outdoors in Ulster County as well as the people of New York State."
Town of Shandaken Supervisor, Robert A. Stanley said, "Shandaken prides itself as "The Heart of the Park" and we are thankful for Governor Cuomo's continuing support for projects such as this that will help appeal to and educate more New Yorker's to the benefits of the abundance of outdoor resources available to the public in the Catskills. Continued investments of this nature prove that we are making a difference in Albany."
The overall pavilion space is 1762 square feet, including 234 square feet of enclosed storage space. The structure will be constructed with an exposed laminated arch beam with stone fascia on posts. The enclosure walls are designed to complement the existing CIC building. The pavilion will also include interior and exterior lighting and electrical convenience outlets. DEC expects the structure will be complete by next spring. Maeda Construction Inc. from Aatsburg, New York, has been selected to construct the pavilion at a cost of $282,828. Funding is provided by the state's Environmental Protection Fund.
"Breaking ground on the Pavilion at the Maurice D. Hinchey Catskill Interpretive Center represents the tremendous strides being taken at this facility to improve our outreach and services to all users of the Catskill Park," said Jeff Senterman, Executive Director of the Catskill Center. "I would like to thank DEC for taking on this this project. The Pavilion, and future projects such as building a fire tower on site, are a testament to their commitment to the Catskill Interpretive Center."
Under Governor Cuomo's Adventure NY Initiative, DEC is making strategic investments to expand access to healthy, active outdoor recreation, connect more New Yorkers and visitors to nature and the outdoors, protect natural resources, and boost local economies. This initiative will support the completion of more than 75 projects over the next three years, ranging from improvements to youth camps and environmental education centers to new boat launches, duck blinds, and hiking trails. Read more about Adventure NY.