ADAMS, Mass. — State and local officials will celebrate the start of the Greylock Glen Outdoor Recreation Center on Tuesday. 

 

Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito will be among the dignitaries at the ceremonial groundbreaking, set for 10 a.m. at the glen. 

 

The groundbreaking marks a significant step in the development of the 54-acre glen after decades of failed starts. The town of Adams was named developer in 2006 after several private ventures collapsed for lack of funding or direction. The project has moved forward, in fits and starts, since then with the outdoor center being a critical step after years of preparation.

 

The state's poured millions of dollars into the project through various programs to develop infrastructure and a trail system to support the effort. In January, the Baker administration provided an additional $2.8 million onto the $6.5 million in funding when bids for the center came in to high. 

 

Souliere & Zepka Construction of Adams is the contractor and Maclay Architects the designer. Preliminary site work began earlier this month.  

 

The center will include classroom and meeting space, a cafe, concession and retail space, exhibit areas and a large reception space. The entire $50 million development is proposed to also have a campground, a lodge/conference center and an amphitheater.

 

Baker, Polito and Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides were in Adams a year ago to celebrate the original commitment of $6.5 million in state funding for construction of the center.