Berkshire tourism gets funding boost

Rec, nature center coming to Mount Greylock

Construction on an outdoor recreation and nature center on the slope of Mount Greylock is slated to begin this year after decades of delays in a big win for Berkshire tourism.

“The Greylock Glen Outdoor Recreation and Nature Center has enormous potential to drive tourism, increase access to the region’s natural resources, and spur regional economic growth in a way that protects this landscape for future generations to enjoy,” Gov. Charlie Baker said in a statement.

Local officials have been pushing for funding for the 10,000square-foot outdoor recreation and nature center since it was first delayed in the mid-1970s. During an appearance in Adams on Wednesday, the Republican governor said the $6.5 million in funding was finally coming through.

The center will serve as a “hub” for outdoor activity and exploration in the Berkshires, with access to the Department of Conservation’s Mount Greylock State Reservation.

The project is being designed by Maclay Architects. Construction is expected to begin sometime this year and be completed in 2022.

“COVID was a horrible, really difficult, at times tragic period but there are some silver linings from it and one of the silver linings has been the rediscovery of the outdoors,” Baker said.

Baker on Wednesday also plugged his plan to pour $100 million into state parks, trails and outdoor recreation areas with some of the federal American Rescue Plan Act funding. Lawmakers have scheduled a hearing on Baker’s $2.9 billion investment plan for next Tuesday.