In the wake of the Merced River Plan’s approval and the river’s Wild and Scenic designation, our team embarked on a transformative project in Yosemite Valley. Our mission? To harmonize visitor needs with environmental preservation in one of America’s most iconic landscapes.
At Yosemite Village, we orchestrated a series of strategic improvements. The day-use parking lot was relocated, paving the way for a new arrival plaza that both showcases the dramatic natural setting and efficiently manages visitor flow. This reimagined space now features thoughtfully designed gathering areas, picnic spots, seating, and trail connections, complemented by a convenient shuttle stop and engaging interpretive exhibits. In a move to support wetland restoration and optimize traffic patterns, we also rerouted Northside Drive.
Throughout this process, our focus remained steadfast: enhancing the visitor experience while safeguarding Yosemite’s pristine beauty. By adhering to stringent environmental regulations, we’ve demonstrated that sustainable development and natural preservation can coexist, even in the most cherished of national parks. The result is a Yosemite Village that not only meets the needs of modern visitors but does so in a way that respects and celebrates its awe-inspiring surroundings.
Size
±45 acres
Clients
National Park Service
Federal Highway Adm.
Yosemite National Park
NPS Pacific West Region
Team
Siegel & Strain Architects
Nelson Nygaard (Transportation Engineers)
Provost & Pritchard (Civil Engineers)
Jacobs (Civil & Transportation Engineers)
In the wake of the Merced River Plan’s approval and the river’s Wild and Scenic designation, our team embarked on a transformative project in Yosemite Valley. Our mission? To harmonize visitor needs with environmental preservation in one of America’s most iconic landscapes.
At Yosemite Village, we orchestrated a series of strategic improvements. The day-use parking lot was relocated, paving the way for a new arrival plaza that both showcases the dramatic natural setting and efficiently manages visitor flow. This reimagined space now features thoughtfully designed gathering areas, picnic spots, seating, and trail connections, complemented by a convenient shuttle stop and engaging interpretive exhibits. In a move to support wetland restoration and optimize traffic patterns, we also rerouted Northside Drive.
Throughout this process, our focus remained steadfast: enhancing the visitor experience while safeguarding Yosemite’s pristine beauty. By adhering to stringent environmental regulations, we’ve demonstrated that sustainable development and natural preservation can coexist, even in the most cherished of national parks. The result is a Yosemite Village that not only meets the needs of modern visitors but does so in a way that respects and celebrates its awe-inspiring surroundings.
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