This LEED accredited building is a prototype that serves as a visitor center in multiple Maricopa County Parks’ locations. The goals for Maricopa County Parks Department (MCPD), were to minimize the disturbance of this natural untouched landscape, maximize the design’s compatibility with its surroundings and set an example for sustainable design of educational facilities within the Maricopa County Parks environment. The building is designed as a “path” to welcome the visitors into the park.Each part of the building was carefully planned and designed from the overall site selection to the type of fixtures and furniture used. The sites for each building were carefully selected to avoid disturbing natural undeveloped land, preserve wildlife corridors, and salvage native plants.
