NYPA Announces Opening of Hawkins Point Visitors Center

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Connie Cullen
914-390-8196
connie.cullen@nypa.gov

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June 1, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MASSENA—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has announced its new, $5 million Hawkins Point Visitors Center at the St. Lawrence-Franklin D. Roosevelt Project will open Friday, June 3, as part of Heritage Festival Weekend, Monday, June 6, to school and tour groups and on Monday, June 20, to the public.

“The opening of the visitors center at Hawkins Point is something we’ve been looking forward to with much anticipation,” said Eugene W. Zeltmann, NYPA president and chief executive officer. “It’s a fantastic new facility, with fun, educational exhibits on energy and various facets of the St. Lawrence-FDR project’s operation. It’s sure to become a destination point for Northern New Yorkers and tourists, just as the previous visitor’s center at Barnhart Island had been.”

Zeltmann noted the sneak preview at the center on June 3, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., will be highlighted by a showcase of emerging artists as part of Heritage Festival Weekend. A formal grand opening ceremony is planned for July.

The exhibits held in the previous center have been installed in the new two-story building, which faces the Robert Moses-Robert Saunders Power Dam from across the south channel of the St. Lawrence River, and offers a panoramic view through large windows. Many exhibits are interactive and designed for youngsters.

A focal point in the 14,000-square-foot building is a new three-dimensional terrain map in the entrance lobby.  The map features lighting effects timed to highlight areas described by an audio track that’s activated by with the push of a button. The map depicts locations from Ogdensburg to Massena.

Beginning Monday, June 6, the Hawkins Point Visitors Center will be open by reservation to school and tour groups, Monday through Friday. Starting June 20 and running through Columbus Day, October 10, the center will be open to the public seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with no reservations necessary. 

For reservations or information, please contact Carol Simpson, Community Relations – Regional Manager, NYPA, at 315-764-0226, ext 304, or in NY State, 1-800-262-NYPA (6972).