Friday, June 22, 2007

New & Improved Yavapai Observation Station Opens

The National Park Service recently rededicated the historic Yavapai Observation Station (YOS) upon the completion of major interior renovations. Newly-installed interpretive exhibits focus on the geology of the Grand Canyon, and demonstrate the powerful geologic processes responsible for the carving (past and present) of the fabled chasm. Others serve to make the canyon’s ancient rock strata, nearly two billion years old by most accounts, comprehensible to both the scientific and lay audience alike.

Originally built in 1928, what was then called the Yavapai Point Trailside Museum was designed by architect Herbert C. Maier. In the tradition of the famed architect Mary Jane Colter, Maier took pains to blend the structure with the surrounding landscape. Located on the South Rim at the outer edge of Grand Canyon Village, YOS has since been visited by countless park visitors. Parking and admission are free, and a small bookstore operated by the Grand Canyon Association can be found within.

In a press release issued by the NPS, park superintendent Steve Martin said, “We are extremely excited about the renovation of Yavapai Observation Station, along with the new exhibits that tell the story of Grand Canyon’s geology. This is but the first step, as we continue to forge opportunities for connections between our park visitors and the incredible Grand Canyon.”

3 comments:

Wesley said...

Cool
That should be so great.
Great to hear they are upgrading and keeping things of grand canyon history
Be so wonderful to go back.

Wesley said...

Makes me think about our Grand Canyon Camping trip with a Chris. Such an awesome trip across the US.
We slept on the lip of the canyon and awoke to such a magnificent sunrise.

Our hiking trip was very silly but we surived, a 4hr hike down to the bottom and back with a litre of pepsi and a bannana each , yes we were very silly, we did look for water but all the pumps were locked :-(

Tery Spataro said...

Sounds beautiful. When does it open? btw tom is trying to get a hold of you.