ADAMS, Mass. – After a little more than two years of construction and decades of discussion and planning, the Greylock Glen Outdoor Center in Adams is set to have its grand opening next month. 

When visitors walk into the almost $10 million development – paid for largely with state and federal grants – they’ll notice a large fireplace and seating areas in what some refer to as the "Great Hall."

“This is the space I’ve been describing as both the front porch and the living room of the Greylock Glen. This is where we anticipate welcoming visitors to the Glen and where we hope they will come relax and recharge at the end of their day of recreating on the mountain, whatever their choice of recreation is,” said Michael Wynn, executive director of the outdoor center.

On one side of the room is an exhibition space informing visitors of the role forests play on the environment.

“It’s designed to tell the story about the forests impact in mitigating climate change, so how the forest uses products, or the reuse of particular forest products or building wood, as opposed to steel and concrete, is conservation-minded, environmentally friendly and can have a positive impact on climate change,” Wynn said.

On the other side of the room is a restaurant space. Food will eventually be served there, but it’s still in the process of negotiating licenses and a lease for hours of operation. 

Behind the restaurant space are educational rooms that Mass Audubon will use for its education programming.

“Mass Audubon was selected as our education partner, so they will be providing some of the programming out of here. They’re anticipating classes during the entire year and summer camps during the summer,” said Wynn.

The outdoor center was built for economic development to benefit the town of Adams. 

Its goal is to encourage people to visit the Glen, which can help the campground currently under development. 

A lodge, performing arts amphitheater and an environmental sculpture garden are also planned to be part of the next few phases of the project.

Greylock Glen’s grand opening is 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 11.