Wearing hard hats and eschewing the usual ceremonial shovels for something with more power, the Friends of Kinder Farm Park and county officials grabbed the handles of a jack hammer to take part in an "asphalt breaking" signifying the start of construction Wednesday on the new visitor center at Kinder Farm Park.

"This unique facility will serve thousands of park visitors and provide school children the opportunity to experience our county's rich agricultural history," said County Executive John R. Leopold.

"I commend the Friends of Kinder Farm Park for partnering with the county in constructing...