Extreme Makeover – Lake Anna State Park Visitor Center Edition

Thanks to a partnership with Imperial Multimedia, Lake Anna State Park on Saturday, February 9, 2013.

Guests check out the new exhibits

In spite of more than a quarter of a million visitors annually and the convenient location of the visitor center adjacent to the popular beach area, few visitors actually ventured into the old visitor center. The old exhibits were pretty much what were installed when it opened in 1983 and they were static and a little tired. In today's multi-media world you need a lot more to capture the attention of young people and adults alike.

A young visitor takes a nature quiz in the Feathered Feeders exhibit

The idea was to create technology based exhibits using resources and techniques available to reduce costs. We used some video capture from some environmental education projects we have been working on and, more importantly produced the graphics and wall panels in our own sign shop and used our own staff to fabricate the exhibit casings and install everything. With funds from the Virginia Association for Parks and the Friends of Lake Anna, we were able to create exhibits that will enhance the visitor's experience.

Beaver Tales exhibit

Nature is literally at your fingertips now, withtouch screen displays(including quizzes, so you betterpay attention), a 3D theater room (yes, in a dark room, with the 3D glasses),animals (including a giant beaver with some verystained teeth),colorful murals on the wall, huge 70" flat screen TVsshowingeducational footage andnaturescenes…I'd say it's a bit moreappealing than playing Angry Birds on your phone.

Visitors interact with at the Whose Clues exhibit

We tried to highlight all the cool stuffyou can do in a Virginia State Park and enticekids to get outdoors. There's even a life sizedvirtualhuman, campingin her tent, setup with all her gear, talking about her experience camping at Lake Anna. This is the third storyteller style exhibit in our parks that takes advantage of the age old concept of sharing stories but uses technology.

A virtual camper talks about Lake Anna State Park

There's alsoa gift shop and an information desk to helpvisitors orient themselves to the trail system and park programs. You can learn more about the park, the lake, check the weather forecast, plan your 15 mile hike, buy a souvenir, find out about migratory birds…cool park happenings like this.It's just a nice addedtouch we're sure you'll appreciate.

Panoramic view of the gift shop area in the Visitor Center

donate to these exhibits.