VOORHEESVILLE (AP) — A popular state park that offers panoramic views of the Albany area is opening its new $3.8 million visitors’ center.

A ceremony to officially open the 8,240-square-foot (765-sq. meter) Thacher State Park Center will be held Thursday. State parks commissioner Rose Harvey will join elected officials for the grand opening.

Thacher State Park sits on the Helderberg Escarpment about 10 miles (16 kilometers) west of Albany. The 2,500-acre (1011-hectare) park offers views of the Hudson Valley, Green Mountains and the foothills of the Adirondacks.

The new center is designed to introduce visitors to the park’s trails and to provide environmental education.