News Release

Elk Creek Visitor Center Rehabilitation

Date: August 31, 2020
Contact: Sandra Snell-Dobert, 970-641-2337, x227

Beginning mid-September, the Elk Creek Visitor Center of Curecanti National Recreation Area will be undergoing a complete rehabilitation of all interior spaces as well as improvements to the east end of the parking area. The visitor center will be closed for a short transition period as staff migrates to two temporary trailers on the west end of the parking lot. There will be no overnight parking in the parking lot, either end, after Labor Day, September 7. This restriction will continue throughout the construction period, which is anticipated to be a full year. 

Upgrades to the Elk Creek Visitor Center will include the installation of an elevator and other improvements for accessibility, renovation of offices and visitor space, restroom remodel, landscaping and upgraded parking. This project is being accomplished with National Park Service Line Item Construction funds, appropriated by Congress each year for major facility upgrades and facility rehabilitation projects.

The Elk Creek Visitor Center was designed by Cecil Doty and built in 1965 as part of the original recreational infrastructure in conjunction with the building of Blue Mesa dam. The building has undergone many changes over the years, including the filling in of trout ponds that were in the courtyard area and the enclosure of the lower floor. This is the first major rehab of the interior structure since it was built. 

“We appreciate your patience as we adjust our operations around construction” said Superintendent Deanna Greco. “The upgrades to the Elk Creek Visitor Center have been a long time coming and we are excited to see the project underway.”