Access to Nature Center to be temporarily adjusted
In light of the renovations taking place at Bays Mountain Park, officials are announcing a temporary change to how visitors access the Nature Center.
Beginning March 11 and continuing to April 5, visitors wishing to attend a planetarium show will access the nature center through the left side glass doors at the main entrance. Park staff will then check tickets and usher guests through the lobby, down the hallway to the planetarium’s side door.
The main entrance to the planetarium will not be open at this time. The upper level restrooms will be accessible from the outdoors. The lower level of the Nature Center will be open to the public, along with a portion of the ramp (to just past the beehive).
These adjustments are necessary for GRC Construction to perform the latest phase of renovations taking place at the Nature Center. Crews are finishing up work in the office and gift shop areas this week and will be moving to the upper side of the gallery next week.
During this phase, crews will be installing new flooring and lighting throughout the main floor gallery. Once complete, the Nature Center will have an expanded gift shop, renovated employee offices, vinyl flooring throughout the main level and a new, more pronounced entrance to the planetarium.
Construction costs for phase one is approximately $650,000 and work should wrap up later this spring. The renovations were made possible through a generous donation of $1 million from the James and Laura Rogers Foundation during the 50th anniversary of Bays Mountain Park. A future phase of improvements will focus on the ramp and downstairs area of the nature center.
For information about events, activities and programs offered by Bays Mountain Park, visit www.baysmountain.com.