news
July 10, 2008
Revelstoke Dam Visitor Centre redesign adds wow factor
After spending long hours overseeing the redesign of the Revelstoke Dam Visitor Centre, Lindsay Thompson got quick confirmation that the new-look centre was a hit.
"It was great when it first opened, to actually see kids tearing around, saying 'Hey, look at this! It's so cool' and playing with the interactive stuff," says Thompson, project manager for the redesign. "I'd hear stuff like "Hey mom, I told you we had to turn the computer off when we're not using it!'"
It's that mix of stories, about the construction of the dam, about the community of Revelstoke, about the history of power generation in B.C. and the drive toward conservation, that sets this visitor centre apart. For some people, the tour may take an hour or less, but for others big on learning and compelled by the various storylines, the visit can be an engrossing two hours or more.
"Some people ask just to see the highlights – they want to be out in an hour," she says. "But I've been here when a family arrives and stays for three and a half hours."
So, what's new?
Fourteen new interactive exhibits, a theatre room that shows video productions, and extensive building updates have transformed the centre into a warm, gallery-like space that opened on May 31. What both kids and adults are noticing is the "wow" factor delivered by a blend of informative exhibits, stunning images and interactivity.
Among the interactive exhibits is a water table in which adults, not just kids, can try their hand at dam building. Others include a Plasma Ball, Jacob's Ladder, Watt-O-Meter and the ever popular Bicycle For Energy, which enables the visitors to create electricity by pedalling a bike.
The second phase of the redesign, due for the summer of 2009, will include a First Nations Gallery.
If you go, don't miss the views
Of course, the star of the show is the dam itself, built in 1984 after five years of planning and eight years of construction. When Thompson talks to friends about visiting, she stresses that there are three must-see viewpoints:
- A view into the generation hall of the dam;
- A view from the walkway, where you can see the Revelstoke 5 project in progress, including building of the penstocks;
- A very cool view from the top of the dam.
Just driving up to the dam is an experience in itself.
"You can read about how big it is and how high it is, but when you actually see the dam, you're amazed," says Thompson. "It's this huge, massive, concrete wall and it seems so much bigger and powerful when you see it up close."
