Department of Conservation & Recreation - Walden Pond Visitor Center

The new building is a one-story, fully accessible structure of approximately 6,500 gsf including basement storage and mechanical areas.

As part of a plan to improve the visitor experience at Walden Pond the new Visitor Center building replaces the old park headquarters building and comfort station.  The main level houses a dedicated exhibit and meeting spaces, bookstore, staff offices and public restroom facilities. Surrounding the Visitor Center and affording views of Walden Pond across Walden St. is a large wooden deck and trellis structure.  The new plan also expanded the landscape area between the main parking lots and Walden Street, providing space to sit, gather and learn about the Park before heading off to the Pond.

Project Details

 

walden pond collage

Project Type: Design, Bid, Build
Total Project Cost: 5,247,462
Construction Completion Date: Summer 2016
General Contractor: Stutman Contracting, Inc.
Study/Project Designer: Maryann Thompson Architects
Gross Square Feet: 6,500

Project Features

  • Building interwoven into new extensively landscaped area
  • Deck overlook providing enhanced viewing of pond and weather-protected space for interpretive programming
  • State-of-the-art interpretive program and exhibit gallery space
  • Bookstore space
  • New expanded bathroom facilities
  • LEED Gold
  • Boston Society of Architects Accessible Design Award, 2019

Notable sustainable design features

  • No fossil fuel energy sources used, and low overall energy consumption
  • Passive solar building orientation and openings, natural ventilation/cooling
  • Super insulated envelope with high performing windows
  • Extensive use of locally sourced wood material
  • Low water use plumbing fixtures and solar hot water system
  • Native landscaping which will not require irrigation
  • Separate photo-voltaic parking canopy structure project on-site will offset all building energy use for a net zero energy building

Contact   for Department of Conservation & Recreation - Walden Pond Visitor Center

Help Us Improve Mass.gov  with your feedback

Please do not include personal or contact information.
Feedback