NORTH ADAMS — Natural Bridge State Park is set for major upgrades, including a fully accessible path, safer overlooks around the chasm and a redesigned visitor center that could open later this year, state officials said Wednesday.

Officials from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation outlined the two-phase project during a virtual public meeting, saying it will improve accessibility, preserve historic features and expand educational signage throughout the park. State Rep. John Barrett III, D-North Adams, also said he is hopeful additional funding for the project will be included in the next environmental bond bill.

Natural Bridge State Park contains North America’s only white marble dam, built in 1838. It was first used to supply water to an industrial quarry mill that operated from 1810 to 1947.

The improvements follow years of planning after the state closed unsafe viewing platforms and footpaths in 2022 and announced a redesign of the park in 2023.

DCR architect Joseph Silveira said the overall design is about 25 percent complete, with the first phase focused on preserving historic structures and improving safety before broader accessibility upgrades are built.

The park gets its name from its natural white arch made of 550-million-year-old bedrock marble that was carved by a glacial melt. It also contains North America’s only white marble dam, built in 1838.

Phase 1: Cultural preservation and site safety

The phase will preserve historical structures around the chasm including the penstock, the large pipe that used to direct the water away from the site when it was a dam, and fill a space in part of the former mill site to protect it from animal and human use.

The state will go out to bid for construction on repairing the historic penstock at Natural Bridge State Park later this year. The project is part of a larger effort by DCR to improve access to the park and increase safety.

To fix the crumbling stone piers that hold up the penstock, DCR is installing temporary support before it snows this year. With additional support in place, the piers will be reassembled with more support but maintain the original look.

The first phase of the project is expected to go out to bid this fall, though construction funding has not been secured, Silveira said. He estimates the phase will cost $800,000.

The visitor center and pathways around Natural Bridge State Park are about to get accessibility and safety upgrades as the state begins construction after years of planning.

In the meantime, the interior of the visitor center is getting a makeover.

DCR's Kristen Karl-Carnahan said the revamp includes a full wraparound image of the natural bridge, information about the geological formations and a new model of the white marble quarry with accessible viewing.

“We have new exhibits that will highlight the site's cultural significance and history ... [and] the workers and the artisans and immigrants who moved that site forward,” she said.

Ben and Donna Jelovich take a selfie Thursday in front of the dam at Natural Bridge State Park. The couple from North Carolina are on a road trip and learned about the park online.

The space will also house a map of the area with other nearby tourist attractions.

The revamp is in progress this summer, with the goal of opening in September.

Phase 2: Priority site improvements

While still early on in the design process, DCR plans to extend the parking lot “toward the quarry” and relocate the existing picnicking area to a universally accessible space for schools and families.

It will also add a universally accessible path connecting the parking lot, visitor center, overlooks and quarry. The project also includes accessible parking near the quarry and new interpretive signage throughout the site.

“There's an accessible path into the visitor center, but once there you're sort of on an island," Silveira said.

DCR has not yet estimated a cost for the second phase, which Silveira said is intended to prepare the park for the next 30 to 40 years.

Public comments will be accepted through July 22.

Barrett said Gov. Maura Healey has also expressed interest in funding the project.

“It's something that's going to really... have an impact," he said, "especially as we push towards an outdoor economy.”