What's New at National Parks
June 10, 2007. Many luxury vacation rentals are located near national parks, so MSNBC's article about new developments this year in the park system caught our eye. As you can guess from the headline, "The Good, the Bad and the Pricey," the news is mixed.
Last month, we discussed the controversy over a new price increase for a nationwide pass to all of the national parks. According to the MSNBS article, that isn't the only price hike hitting the system. "This year, 11 park sites will see higher entrance fees, part of a multi-year plan to raise such fees at approximately one-third of the system's 391 units," the article reads.
Those price increases aren't just evaporating into thin air, however. Several new facilities are being unveiled this summer and many ongoing construction projects are addressing long-standing maintenance backlogs.
The newly renovated Yavapai Observation Station on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park has "new artworks, photographs and high-tech geological exhibits." Sequoia National Park finally has a free shuttle service to alleviate traffic congestion and make it easier for everyone to enjoy the ride – now the family driver doesn't have to keep his or her eyes on the road.
Some repairs and construction projects might cause a little disappointment this summer. In Yellowstone National Park, South Rim Drive will close on July 9 for repairs that are expected to last through next year, for example.
