A San Francisco-based environmental group is helping to build a new $10.4 million visitor center in Yosemite National Park.
The Yosemite Conservancy is contributing $4.5 million to the new facility.
The park's current visitor's center was built in 1966 and is a half-mile walk from the main parking lot. The new welcome center will be located adjacent to the park's Village Store in a 3,000-square-foot building much closer to the main parking area.
"This is going to help people when they arrive in Yosemite Valley instantly get the guidance they need to have a great time," Yosemite Conservancy President Frank Dean told the Mercury News.
Construction is scheduled to begin this fall.
The new facility is expected to be open by the end of 2022 or early 2023.
The current visitor center, museum and theater are expected to remain open as an education center.
Yosemite welcomes 4.5 million visitors in an average year.
