Greylock Glen Outdoor Center : Open Season !
IT ’ S FINALLY HERE : THE CENTER WILL HOLD ITS GRAND OPENING IN OCTOBER
GREYLOCK GLEN OUTDOOR CENTER in Adams is gearing up to become a pivotal community hub for outdoor recreation and a key driver of economic growth in the Berkshires . Conceptualized as a state-of-the-art outdoor recreation , conservation , and education base camp , Greylock Glen Outdoor Center features retail spaces , an exhibit area , a central gathering space , a café , and an educational center managed by Mass Audubon . The $ 8.3-million project , funded through state and federal grants and overseen by the Town of Adams , broke ground in July 2022 . The center was designed by the renowned Vermont-based sustainable architecture firm , Maclay Architects , to meet LEED standards , ensuring high energy efficiency with all energy use generated on site .
A grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for Friday , October 11 , leading up to Indigenous Peoples ’ Day weekend . The event will feature food , speakers , and a reception for visitors and local community members .
Michael Wynn is the executive director of the Greylock Glen Outdoor Center .
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Greylock Glen Outdoor Center : Open Season !
The former Pittsfield police chief shared his excitement about the center . “ We are in the final pre-commissioning phases . We anticipate delivery of furniture by the end of August and some of the exhibits by September .” The center ’ s opening ceremony will mark the culmination of years of planning and development . It
Michael Wynn also will highlight the center ’ s role as a potential keystone in the region ’ s outdoor recreation and economic development strategy . “ The Greylock Glen project isn ’ t just a great outdoor recreation resource ; it ’ s also a powerful economic development initiative ,” says Wynn . “ We want to bring people and dollars to the mountain to benefit the town of Adams , while also being mindful of conservation and environmental concerns .”
Feedback from the community about the project has been overwhelmingly positive .” The Outdoor Center should be considered the front porch and the living room of the Greylock Glen ,” Wynn says . “ It ’ s going to greatly enhance the experience of people who use the mountain for outdoor recreation .”
The Outdoor Center will provide various amenities designed to support and enrich the overall outdoor experience at Greylock Glen . Visitors can access the center directly from the Glen Meadow Loop Trail , making it a convenient stop for those exploring the greater Greylock Glen trail networks .” You can drive up onto the Glen property , park in our parking lot , grab some water , fill your water bottle , grab a snack or lunch , and then head out onto the trails ,” says Wynn .
The center ’ s partnership with Mass Audubon ensures a robust educational program , which will include specialized conservation classes and guided tours . Connecticut-based CHG Catering will offer a variety of evolving , on-site dining options .
The date for the ribbon-cutting ceremony coincides with RambleFest , a town-wide festival in Adams . “ Large-scale festivities take place on Sunday , and the Greylock Ramble is on Monday , so it was a great fit ,” says Wynn . “ The public will be welcome , along with town and Commonwealth officials , elected officials , and all of our stakeholders .” This year ’ s RambleFest will be on October 13 and will feature a street festival that will bring local community members and visitors together to celebrate the natural beauty and vibrant cultural scene of the northern Berkshires region . The festivities will feature live music , beer , wine , food , outdoor recreation , craft exhibitors , and kids activities . The Greylock Ramble , held
74 // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE Fall 2024