On June 15, the National Park Service and Denver landscape architecture firm DHM Design dedicate a new experience at the south rim of the Grand Canyon. The design creates universal access to the Mather Point east overlook, improves transportation and utilizes innovative sustainable strategies that are an integral part of the visitor experience and natural resource protection.
“Mather Point is the first glimpse of the Grand Canyon viewed by thousands of visitors from all over the world,” said DHM Principal Roger Burkart. “The removal of the existing parking lot and roadway provides an auto-free experience, as well as enhanced and diverse opportunities for canyon viewing.“
Improvements include realignment of the South Entrance Road, parking for nearly 900 autos and 40 tour buses, a new transit center for three of the park’s shuttle bus routes, a new restroom at the tour bus lot and a new shuttle bus stop at Mather Point.
Highlights of the project include:
A new theater added to the west side of the Visitor Center is the home of a new state-of- the-art movie about the Grand Canyon.
The Landmark is an interpretive stone and paving feature experienced as a passageway or threshold between the Visitor Center and the canyon rim where visitors have an opportunity to learn about the tribes of the Grand Canyon.
Improved entrance stairways, stabilized overlook surfacing, and the addition of a stair-free access route make spectacular views of Mather Point available to more visitors of all abilities.
