PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As travel gradually resumes, America’s National Parks offer the freedom of the great outdoors, budget-friendly options and social distancing that continue to keep families safe. Aramark (NYSE: ARMK), the award-winning food and hospitality partner for national and state parks and other leading leisure and cultural attractions, is enhancing its park services and operations to meet the safety and hygiene standards of today’s environment, while continuing to create enjoyable guest experiences — from lodging and dining to outdoor activities.
“Our national parks are a symbol of America’s beauty and we look forward to welcoming park enthusiasts, including first-time and returning visitors,” said Bruce W. Fears, president of Aramark’s Leisure division. “While health and safety remains our top priority and visitors may notice some changes in our park operations, they can still be assured an unforgettable, authentic outdoor experience.”
Open Parks, Modified Services and Operations
While national parks are reopening, many are doing so with modified services and policies to protect against the spread of COVID-19. Visitors are encouraged to visit each park’s National Park Service website for additional information.
Yosemite National Park
The Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley Lodge and Curry Village are open to overnight guests, while the Village Store, Degnan’s Kitchen and other select amenities are available for visitors.
Olympic National Park & Forest
Lake Quinault Lodge, Lake Crescent Lodge, Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort and Log Cabin Resort have opened for the season. Restaurants are open to lodge guests, offering takeout services only.
Mesa Verde National Park
Colorado’s Far View Lodge and campgrounds are open, with modified dining service. Guided and customized private tours are operating, including the new Soda Canyon Overlook Tour, which allows vacationers the opportunity to see some of the most photographic cliff dwellings and take a short walk to see panoramic views overlooking the natural landscape.
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake Lodge and Dining Room, The Cabins at Mazama Village, Rim Village Café and Gift Shop are open for the season. Travelers can also stay at Mazama Campground, which opens June 19.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas offers lakeside lodging, kayaking, fishing, waterskiing, hiking trails and more. Budget-conscious travelers can stay at the Wahweap RV and Campground, just a short walking distance to the marina and lake. North Lake Powell’s Bullfrog Marina in Utah is also open, along with Defiance House Lodge, Anasazi Restaurant and Bullfrog Houseboat and Boat Rentals.
Bridger-Teton National Forest
Togwotee Mountain Lodge, located near the town of Jackson Hole, officially reopened for the season on May 21st.
Lake Tahoe Basin National Forest
Zephyr Cove Resort, Cabins and RV Campground has opened for the season. Zephyr Cove Marina offers powerboats, pontoon boats, personal watercraft, water toy rentals and parasailing. Other ways to enjoy this region include Lake Tahoe Adventures, offering a variety of ways to explore the backcountry on ATVs, Razor (RZR) tours and guided horseback rides.
Socially Distant, but Close to Nature
Aramark EverSafe™ is the Company’s platform that supports the safe reopening and sustainable management of client locations. Aramark’s practices, procedures and protocols have been developed in accordance with recommendations established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Restaurant Association (NRA), and other leading public health organizations. Examples of safety and service enhancements include:
Employee and Customer Wellbeing:
- Requiring appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for employees
- Frequent hand washing following CDC guidance and food code
- Installing plexiglass barriers
- Enhanced training, signage, and behavioral “nudges”
- Implementing health checks and temperature monitoring
Enhanced Cleaning:
- Implementation of enhanced sanitation throughout for both employees and guests.
- Frequent disinfectant at high-touch areas
- Addition of hand sanitation stations throughout the park facilities
- Enhanced boat and water toy deep cleaning procedures with staggered boat departure times
Social Distancing:
- Strict monitoring of clearly marked lanes in lobbies, stores, gift shops and other public areas
- Reduced seating in dining areas and takeaway meal offerings
- Posting appropriate signage and floor decals to encourage social distancing
- Increasing self-order kiosks and touchless self-checkout terminals
Contactless Operations:
- Implementation of technology to minimize contact
About Aramark
Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) proudly serves the world’s leading educational institutions, Fortune 500 companies, world champion sports teams, prominent healthcare providers, iconic destinations and cultural attractions, and numerous municipalities in 19 countries around the world. Our 280,000 team members deliver innovative experiences and services in food, facilities management and uniforms to millions of people every day. We strive to create a better world by making a positive impact on people and the planet, including commitments to engage our employees; empower healthy consumers; build local communities; source ethically, inclusively and responsibly; operate efficiently and reduce waste. Aramark is recognized as a Best Place to Work by the Human Rights Campaign (LGBTQ+), DiversityInc, Equal Employment Publications and the Disability Equality Index. Learn more at www.aramark.com or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
