New Visitor Center, Hickory Run State Park

Boulder Field, Hawk Falls and black bear sightings are high points for Hickory Run visitors throughout the year. The new Visitor Center serves both the public and the administrative staff for this 16,000-acre park located in northeast Pennsylvania. The project was constructed on forested land with site development including new drives, parking (staff, visitor, and bus), nature trails and rain gardens. The public wing includes front porch (with working fireplace), reception lobby, multipurpose room, exhibit hall, and public toilets.  The staff wing includes private and shared offices, conference room, breakroom, and other support spaces. With DCNR sustainability guidelines incorporated throughout, the project was awarded LEED Silver Certification.

The new Visitor Center is the gateway to Hickory Run State Park for the day trippers and campers alike that come from all over the country to explore the natural environment. The building vestibule is open 24-7 and includes maps, guides, and access to the public toilets. It is the starting point for guided tours and education programs. The Center includes a 2,400 sf exhibit lobby that orients the visitor to the natural wonders of the Park. The multipurpose classroom is shared with the community for Scout meetings and local school fieldtrips. The historic significance and pride of place runs strong in this project. The timbers, paneling and trim in the lobby were reclaimed from a nearby Park shed that was recently torn down; the design aesthetic of the building is based on the CCC Heritage of the Park.

Photos by Jeffrey Totaro.