Sailwinds Visitor Center

Client: Maryland State Highway Administration

Location: Dorchester County, Maryland

Services: Transportation, structural, environmental, and mechanical and electrical engineering; landscape architecture

Situated adjacent to Route 50 along the picturesque banks of the Choptank River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Sailwinds Park—a new entertainment and educational center—serves as a dynamic reminder of Chesapeake Bay history and Maryland’s unique Eastern Shore culture.

The Maryland State Highway Administration selected KCI to design the park’s new Visitor’s Center. The design features attractive building and landscape motifs, reflecting the rich sailing heritage of the Choptank River and Chesapeake Bay. Working closely with the project’s architect, Marks, Thomas & Associates, Inc., as well as Dorchester County and the City of Cambridge, KCI prepared plans for tourist-friendly buildings, parking areas, eateries, and restrooms, as well as boardwalks overlooking wetlands and linking the parking area with the Visitor’s Center and beach. The centerpiece of the park’s design is a spectacular canopy sail, which shades an amphitheater and exhibit areas.

In addition, the KCI project team provided designs for the site’s storm drain systems, erosion and sediment control measures, footings, sail tie-downs, water and sewer lines, plumbing, and the building’s HVAC systems. KCI also guided the client through a rigorous permitting process, helping to keep the project on a fast-track schedule. The construction of Sailwinds Park was completed in 1998.

 

© KCI Holdings 1994-2006