Antelope Island announces new learning center

SYRACUSE, Utah (ABC4) – The Utah Division of State Parks, the Friends of Antelope Island, and Davis County have come with each other to have out the renovation and expansion of the park’s present-day visitor centre into a condition-of-the-art learning centre.

Antelope Island has recently obtained popularity, turning out to be Utah’s third most visited state park. In 2021, the island experienced 1,074,570 visitors, in contrast to 815,445 in 2020.

“Antelope Island’s popularity just continues to increase,” Park Manager Jeremy Shaw mentioned. “Improving and growing the amenities at the park allows us to meet up with this greater demand although also maximizing the visitor working experience.”

The park’s existing visitor centre was constructed again in 1996. To begin with planned as a two-section building job, period two was in no way carried out, and the progress of the park has verified to exceed the calls for of the facility in area.

The development, which has been underway for the previous eight months, would not be attainable devoid of the $1 million grant in point out appropriations the Division received final calendar year.

The prepare for the construction approach is to rework and expand the constructing into an instruction center. Weber Condition College, Westminster College, and fascination from Utah State and the College of Utah are supporting the developing course of action by encouraging to fund investigation labs, workspace, and displays for the study of the island and the Terrific Salt Lake.

On top of that, the new finding out heart will involve an auditorium to host college youngsters on field outings wherever they can acquire component in conversations, demonstrations, and lectures.

“Having the most accredited dim skies in the globe is one particular of the a lot of ways that Utah is treasured,” said Vicki Varela, handling director of the Utah Office environment of Tourism. “All precious issues require stewardship so that we can love them now and also defend them for long run generations to delight in.”

The new learning center will incorporate 15,000 sq. toes to the existing 5,100 square foot customer center.

The new making will additionally include a drop-off space and entrance plaza the place special situations, company conferences, and non-public receptions can be held with scenic views of the island, Fantastic Salt Lake, and the Wasatch Entrance.