Author: Kris Anne Bonifacio
Top image of overhead shot of the visitor center captured by G. Snyder
The new visitor center at Jockey's Ridge State Park offers more space and state-of-the-art additions, after a renovation that expanded its size to 6,200 square feet.
The centerpiece is a museum-quality exhibit hall that makes the natural and cultural history of the park accessible to more visitors, including those with disabilities. Visitors can see, hear and/or touch displays that cover the formation of sand dunes, the maritime forest ecosystem, the Roanoke Sound estuary, and the flora and fauna of the park.
The visitor center is often the first stop for the millions of visitors that come to the park annually, before they make their way to the iconic dunes. The new design focuses on augmenting visitor experience by improving movement flow and allowing more natural light, while creating a seamless transition with the look and feel of the existing building. The renovations also updated staff offices and meeting facilities used by local organizations.
"We are proud to have an improved space for the public that showcases the different habitats at the park and the history of how the park was established," said Park Superintendent Joy Greenwood. "The visitation at Jockey's Ridge has vastly increased since the visitor center opened 25 years ago, making this expansion necessary. We are excited for visitors to see how all the new features add to their experience."
The $2.1-million project began in June 2021 with funds from the Connect NC Bond Project, with additional funding later provided by the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in May.
The design firm for the visitor center was Evoke Studio Architecture, and A.R. Chesson Construction in Elizabeth City was the contractor. The exhibits were designed and fabricated by Design Dimensions and Studio Displays, respectively.
The visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through October, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from November through March. New AV equipment and a sound system are currently being installed for the viistor center's reservable facilities, which should open and be available for rentals soon.