Barr Lake Environment Education Center
Barr Lake State Park, Brighton, Colorado

Barr Lake State Park is frequented by bird watchers, hikers, boaters and anyone looking for respite from the urban environment. The visitor’s center displays a few exhibits that focus on the local wildlife. The new buildings support exhibits, an information and sales area, classrooms and administrative offices, transforming the old facility into the Front Range’s premier environmental education center.

The design maximizes the connection with the new facility and the natural riparian feature of Barr Lake. A primary focus is the active bird gathering area where visitors can view a tremendous variety of native species. Architecturally, the building forms echo the simple, utilitarian agricultural structures within the area. The new facility accommodates a wide range of users, from school children to seniors.*

This project was undertaken when Tom Obermeier was CEO of OZ Architecture.