National Park Foundation

At the National Park Foundation, we’re following the developments related to the government shutdown. For information on the status of national parks and public access, please visit www.nps.gov or specific national park websites for the most up-to-date information.

With 470+ nonprofit park partners across the country, the Friends Alliance and the National Park Foundation are helping ensure that parks aren’t just protected, but deeply connected to their communities. Katie Nyberg, executive director of the National Park Friends Alliance, knows firsthand how powerful these partnerships can be — from planting trees along the Mississippi River to bringing park voices to Capitol Hill. When the future of parks depends on innovation, resilience, and collaboration, the Friends Alliance and NPF are proving that the best way to take care of places we love is to do it together. https://bit.ly/3Ip3lrG

We've been busy! This summer, together with our partners, we've marked significant milestones nationwide, showcasing the power of the Great American Outdoors Act’s Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF). We proudly work with the National Park Service and local communities to highlight projects that revitalize historic structures, upgrade infrastructure, and restore landscapes. Since 2020, billions from the LRF have funded nationwide projects that keep national parks resilient and accessible. Highlights from the past few months include: Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve (AK): Completed $19 million project for improved employee housing. Outdated dorms were replaced with a modern, code-compliant complex. Indiana Dunes National Park (IN): The $22 million restoration of historic buildings—Bailly Homestead, Good Fellow Lodge, and the House of Tomorrow—is preserving important park heritage. Yosemite National Park (CA): Yosemite broke ground on the new El Portal Wastewater Treatment Plant, an essential upgrade for the valley and nearby communities. The park also reopened Tuolumne Meadows Campground after an $11 million upgrade. Cuyahoga Valley National Park (OH): The park recently completed a $24.9 million riverbank stabilization project along sections of the Cuyahoga River, helping to prevent erosion, protect wildlife habitat, and maintain recreational opportunities for visitors. C&O Canal National Historical Park (MD): We celebrated the stabilization of a stone wall. Millions of visitors can now enjoy the canal towpath again. Hot Springs National Park (AR): The historic Maurice Bathhouse restoration project will fully rehabilitate and preserve this iconic bathhouse. Once completed, the $31.6 million project will restore visitor access and support activities that enhance the historic character and economic vitality of Bathhouse Row, strengthening the park’s historic leasing program. Thank you to Congress, park partners, and supporters who made these successes possible. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to build momentum for upcoming events this fall. https://lnkd.in/gGn9H4v2

In Hot Springs, Arkansas, after more than 50 years of closure, the Maurice Bathhouse in Hot Springs National Park will undergo essential safety upgrades and historic renovations, allowing it to open its doors to the public once again. We, along with our partners, the National Park Service (NPS), public officials, and community partners, recently celebrated the groundbreaking of the $31.6 million Maurice Bathhouse rehabilitation project, made possible by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund. Once restored, the Maurice Bathhouse will join the park’s successful leasing program, which has revitalized Bathhouse Row into a vibrant visitor destination. Current leaseholders include a boutique hotel, a spa, and a microbrewery that utilizes the park’s thermal spring water. These historic buildings offer both visitors and locals unique opportunities to explore, relax, and connect with Hot Springs’ renowned blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The event featured remarks from Congressman Bruce Westerman, Hot Springs National Park Superintendent Laura Miller, NPS Regional Director Bert Frost, and our President & CEO, Jeff Reinbold. This project is part of a nationwide initiative funded by the Legacy Restoration Fund to enhance park infrastructure and maintenance systems across all 50 states and territories. Photos: NPS, Lisa Allen

It’s going to take all of us to protect the places that mean so much to us. But when we show up together, we can keep parks wild and extraordinary. Today, tomorrow, and forever. Our President & CEO, Jeff Reinbold, invites you to join us. Tell us why you are #AllForParks!

For nearly 60 years, we and our partners have stood with America’s national parks. We protect them today so they’ll be here tomorrow—and forever. We are All For Parks. https://lnkd.in/eW6SxrdE

Happy 109th Birthday, National Park Service! 🎂 On this day 109 years ago, NPS was created to protect and steward America’s greatest treasures. We continue to support the service and ensure everyone can experience the wonder of America’s national parks. https://bit.ly/3pLSqvo 📸 Sabrina Haydt, Share the Experience

We are excited to celebrate the National Park Service (NPS) employees, volunteers, and partners being honored at this year's NPS Awards Ceremony! Their dedication and talents are core to what makes national parks so amazing. These awards reflect the spirit of service that makes the park system exceptional and recognize outstanding contributions in: • Interpretation, Education, and Volunteers • Visitor and Resource Protection • Health and Safety 👏Join us in congratulating the awardees! 👏 See the full list of award winners: https://bit.ly/3HmIDIC

What's better than ice cream and sustainability? 🍦 ♻️ To beat the summer heat, our National Park Foundation Green Team organized a Summer Soiree & Sustainability lunch, where we raised awareness about energy-saving tips at home. We played a specialized Kahoot! trivia game that tested our eco-knowledge, and enjoyed a custom DIY ice cream sundae bar (with non-dairy options, of course😉)! From sustainability efforts to workplace culture, thanks to our incredible Green Team for leading the way.

Five years ago today, landmark bipartisan legislation was passed to help protect national parks. Since then, the Legacy Restoration Fund — established by the Great American Outdoors Act in 2020 — has transformed park infrastructure across the country. From rehabilitated campgrounds at Yosemite and Mount Rainier to stabilized historic structures along the C&O Canal, GAOA-funded projects are helping ensure our parks remain resilient and ready to inspire wonder for current and future visitors. As we celebrate the 5th anniversary of GAOA, we’re reflecting on the successes of this landmark bipartisan investment, the progress made in addressing the extensive maintenance backlog across our national parks, and the lasting impact it will have on some of our nation’s most cherished places for generations to come. https://lnkd.in/e3nkvE6K