ST. GEORGE — Preserving the striking red landscape dotted with trees, educating future generations and honoring Native Americans’ original homeland were celebrated near Zion National Park’s east entrance Tuesday. 

Under a stormy sky, project partners and dignitaries marked the beginning of construction on the future Zion National Park Discovery Center. Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah leaders were also part of the planning. The complex is 2.5 miles from the park’s east entrance and is expected to open in 2025.

Elder Karma Grayman of the Shivwits Band of Paiutes blessed the land before the event.

The center, said one official at the event, is the result of cooperat

ion among multiple parties.

 “This previously unprotected corridor adjacent to the park was at risk of unrestricted commercial development,” Zion Forever Project CEO Natalie Britt said during the ceremony. “However, through a shared vision and collaboration, we are conserving the land and creating a place of discovery that is beautiful and complementary to the grandeur of Zion National Park.”

Britt said the Zion National Park Discovery Center is a rare place that commercial development will not overrun. She thanked all of the people who worked together despite their differences.

Zion National Park Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh said he looks forward to how the center will educate future generations.

“Young people are America’s future and we all have an important role in developing them as well-rounded and knowledgeable citizens, steeped in the cultural history of our country and the value of public lands,” Bradybaugh said. “We must assure the integrity of cultural, natural, and recreation resources in perpetuity. Zion National Park is forever.”

Discovery Center visitors will experience free hands-on educational programming about the area’s ecology and rich history. It will complement the park with programming and attractions focused on youth engagement.

Gov. Spencer J. Cox shared how proud he was to be a part of the event. He thanked state legislators who set aside money to prioritize the project. 

“And I can’t wait to come back when the things we planted have grown up and we get to see the results of all the sacrifice and hard work of all involved,” he said. 

The Zion National Park Discovery Center will sit next to the park on land donated by the McLaws family. 

“This is really about creating meaningful relationships between people and the land,” Kevin McLaws, Zion Mountain Local Service District Board member, said. “It’s critically important that young people today and future generations discover the benefits this landscape provides while participating in active learning experiences.”

Upon its completion, the Discovery Center will offer an immersive, inclusive education for visitors of all ages. According to a news release, the play spaces are designed by Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds. Also, the environmentally sensitive native landscape is designed by Island Planning Corporation. Visitors can “get their hands dirty” and learn about the area’s history, ecology, and agriculture.

The Discovery Center will also serve as a transit hub into the park and feature access to over 70 miles of new trail systems around the park’s perimeter and beyond. Another project goal is to help manage and control traffic into the park, alleviating some of the entry and egress pressure at the entrance near Springdale.

Attending the ceremony were Cox and representatives from the Bureau of Land Management, Utah Office of Tourism, National Park Service, Zion National Park Forever Project and local legislators. Dignitaries were invited by Zion National Park personnel to plant the seeds for the initiative’s future.

The Discovery Center was designed by Overland Partners, a global firm based in Texas. The architect is Place Collaborative from Salt Lake City. The 22,000-square-foot Discovery Center will reside on a 19-acre property. According to a news release, it will have the highest sustainability standards and blend into the environment around it.

Funding for the Discovery Center was primarily provided by a $15 million bond to the local service district by the Permanent Community Impact Fund Board of the Department of Workforce Service. Also, the Utah Department of Transportation is investing $10 million to construct the needed road system. 

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