Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site Increases Recreational Access
[St. Louis, MO] - Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site is increasing recreational access. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.
Beginning Thursday, June 18 at 9 am, Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site will reopen access to:
* Visitor Center and bookstore
* Park Museum
* Theater (limited access)
* Historic House (by timed tours and limited group size)
* Outbuildings (limited access)
With public health in mind, the following facility remains closed at this time:
* Historic Winter Kitchen
Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site’s hours of operation are 9 am - 5 pm, with the last tour of the historic house at 4 pm.
Park grounds continue to remain accessible for visitor enjoyment in accordance with the latest federal, state and local health guidance.
Several new policies and protocols have been implemented to ensure the health and safety of all employees and visitors.
* Plexiglas barriers at Visitor Center front desk.
* Reduced visitor capacity inside the Visitor Center, museum, theater, and historic house.
* Social distancing floor markers throughout the indoor facilities.
* Rigorous disinfecting and sanitizing of public restrooms.
* Hand sanitizing stations located throughout the Visitor Center.
* Hand washing stations at two outdoor locations
* Staff members wearing face coverings where appropriate.
“Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site is entering phase 2 of our phased reopening plan," Superintendent Tucker Blythe stated. “The health, safety and well-being of our visitors, staff and volunteers will remain our priority as we tell the story of President Grant and all the residents of White Haven. We will also continue offering opportunities virtually as well. Check our website and social media for updates on the status of the park and for programs to learn about the history surrounding this site."
The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored.
The National Park Service encourages visitors to follow CDC guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and take their own necessary precautions to protect themselves and the people around them:
* Practice social distancing by maintaining at least 6 feet of distance between you and others.
* Wear a face covering when social distancing cannot be maintained.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
* Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
* Stay at home and contact your doctor if you feel sick.
When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities. The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.
We have an amazing virtual tour of Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site and other content and activities on our website. So, for people who are not traveling at this time, check out resources at www.nps.gov/ulsg.
Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website www.nps.gov/ulsg and social media channels.
* On Facebook: @USGrantNPS
* On Instagram: @USGrantNPS
* On Twitter: @USGrantNPS
Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.
www.nps.gov
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 419 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
