OCR Text |
Show Lodging Facilities Will Remain Open at Zion Park ! I National Park Service Director Gary Everhardt has proposed to continue the lodging facilities at Zion National Park, for a period of seven years, to allow time for adequate visitor service facilities to be developed at communities near the park. The present facilities, cabins operated as a concession by TWA Services Inc., were scheduled to be phased out of service this year. In the public meetings, studies we conducted this year and our meeting today," Everhardt said, "we were impressed by the arguments of those who felt that utilities, primarily sewer and water, are not now available and the proper planning has not been completed which would allow for the immediate development of replacement facilities in the nearby city of Springdale." Governor Rampton pledged the 'full support of the State of Utah in meeting the water and sewer system needs of Springdale and other communities in their efforts to accommodate visitors to Zion. We were pleased that the Utah Congressional delegation joined the Governor "in their support of upgrading facilities both inside and outside the park," Everhardt said. "Since we share the concern that developments around the parks as well as those inside be done on the basis of regional planning considerations and requirements, an extension seems in order," he said. The proposal also provides for a seven year extension of visitor facilities at Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, originally scheduled to be phased out at the end of 1977. During the interim period, a continuing study will be made as to whether visitors can be accommodated in Zion without seriously eroding the natural qualities that make it so popular. With a coordinated regional effort "Zion National Park can continue to serve the increasing number of visitors, while neighboring communities provide accommodations and facilities and enjoy the economic benefits," Everhardt said. The lodging complex at Zion includes 135 cabin units, most of them built during the late 1920s, that provide overnight accommodations for 376 guests. Three dormitories and some cabins house that concessioner's summertime employees, while there also is a bath-house and swimming pool and a lodge that includes a gift shop and food service. The bathing-swimming facilities, which have disintegrated beyond repair, will be removed immediately. The gift shop and restaurant in the lodge would continue to operate. |