EP 1130-2-550
15 Nov 96
CHAPTER 5 - VISITOR CENTER PROGRAM
5-1. Purpose. This chapter establishes guidance governing planning, development, management,
and operation of USACE Visitor Center facilities at civil works water resource projects.
5-2. Program Goals and Objectives. Visitor Center operation is a necessary and integral part of
total project management. The primary purpose of the Visitor Center program is to provide
interpretive information to the visiting public about the Corps, its mission, the project and its
facilities, visitor safety, and the geographic area where the project is located. Visitor Centers
provide the information necessary to visitors for safe and enjoyable use of Corps facilities.
Exhibits and other interpretive communications should be designed to stimulate interest and
convey information. The interpretive objectives of visitor centers are to:
a. Enhance the public's understanding of the multidimensional role of the Army and the
Corps and their contributions to the Nation.
b. Enhance the public's understanding of the purpose and operation of the project, its
archeological, historic, man-made, natural, and cultural features.
c. Develop public appreciation for the proper and safe use of project resources.
d. Foster the spirit of personal stewardship of public lands.
e. Orient the visitor to the project and its recreational opportunities.
f. Aid project personnel in accomplishing management objectives.
g. Reduce overall project operation and maintenance costs.
5-3. Guidance.
a. The Corps of Engineers is responsible for providing information to the visiting public at
every project it operates through a Type A Regional Visitor Center, a Type B Project Visitor
Center, or a Type C Visitor Information Center.
b. Project personnel manage and operate, or oversee contract operations of, Visitor
Centers at water resource development projects. Visitor Centers educate and inform the public
with regard to the history and mission of the Corps, its role in water resources development, the
project, its purpose, benefits and costs. Visitor Centers are further operated to ensure the public
is provided with the information necessary for the safe use and enjoyment of Corps projects.
c. Visitor Center Types. Visitor Centers are classified into three types based upon their
authorization, size, facilities, and program scope. The basic objective of serving and informing
the visiting public is common to all.
d. Maintenance. Corps facilities available to the public are subject to the highest
standards of maintenance, both inside structures and on the surrounding grounds. This
maintenance function may be performed either in-house or by contract personnel. These services
should be scheduled for non-operational hours.
5-1
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