The National Park Service (NPS) has approved the transfer of Crater Lake National Park’s concessions contract to ExplorUS, a Kansas-based hospitality management company. This decision comes after terminating the previous contract with Crater Lake Hospitality, a subsidiary of Aramark, due to performance issues. ExplorUS will now manage lodging, food and beverage services, retail operations, and boat tours at Crater Lake, with plans to improve visitor experiences and facility maintenance.
What Led to the Change in Crater Lake’s Operator?
The decision to change operators at Crater Lake National Park was not made lightly. Several factors contributed to this significant shift:
- Performance Issues: Aramark, the previous operator, faced criticism for:
- Inadequate facility maintenance
- Insufficient staff training
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Failure to meet contract requirements
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Political Intervention: Oregon Senator Ron Wyden raised concerns about the park’s management in December 2023.
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NPS Evaluation: After careful consideration, the National Park Service decided to terminate Aramark’s contract in February 2024.
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Swift Transition: ExplorUS was approved as the new operator in April 2024, taking over operations immediately.
This change aims to address longstanding issues and improve the overall visitor experience at Crater Lake National Park.
What Services Will ExplorUS Manage at Crater Lake?
ExplorUS will be responsible for a wide range of services within Crater Lake National Park. Here’s a comprehensive list of the amenities and facilities under their management:
- Lodging:
- Crater Lake Lodge
- The Cabins at Mazama Village
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Mazama Campground
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Food and Beverage Services:
- Crater Lake Lodge Dining Room
- Annie Creek Restaurant
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Rim Village Café
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Retail Operations:
- Rim Village Gift Shop
- Annie Creek Gift Shop
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Mazama Village Store (including gas pumps)
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Tours:
- Lake boat tours
- Wizard Island boat tours
This extensive list of services covers most visitor needs within the park, from accommodation to dining and recreational activities.
How Will This Change Impact Visitor Experience?
The transition to ExplorUS as the new operator is expected to bring several improvements to the visitor experience at Crater Lake National Park:
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Facility Upgrades: ExplorUS plans to invest in maintaining and improving park facilities.
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Enhanced Staff Training: A focus on better staff training should lead to improved service quality.
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Improved Visitor Services: The company aims to enhance overall visitor services, potentially introducing new offerings.
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Potential Operational Changes: While specific details are not yet available, visitors may see changes in:
- Service hours
- Pricing structures
- New amenities or activities
It’s important to note that during the transition period, visitors are advised to:
– Be patient and flexible
– Check the park’s website for the most up-to-date information
– Expect most visitor services to open in mid-May
What Should Visitors Know About Accessibility and Transportation?
While specific changes to accessibility and transportation under ExplorUS management have not been announced, visitors should keep the following in mind:
- Accessibility:
- Check the park’s website for current accessibility information
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Contact the park directly for specific accessibility needs
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Parking:
- No immediate changes to parking have been announced
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Visitors should follow existing parking guidelines
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Transportation:
- Information on any new transportation options within the park is not yet available
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Refer to the park’s official website for updates on shuttle services or other transportation methods
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Boat Tours:
- ExplorUS will continue to operate lake and Wizard Island boat tours
- Details on tour schedules, pricing, and regulations may be subject to change
Visitors are encouraged to stay informed by regularly checking the Crater Lake National Park website or contacting park services directly for the most current information on accessibility and transportation options.
What Activities and Events Can Visitors Expect Under the New Management?
While specific details about new activities or events under ExplorUS management are not yet available, visitors can anticipate:
- Continuation of Popular Activities:
- Lake boat tours
- Wizard Island excursions
- Hiking trails
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Scenic drives
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Potential New Offerings:
- ExplorUS may introduce new activities or events to enhance visitor experience
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Keep an eye on the park’s official website for announcements
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Seasonal Activities:
- Winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are likely to continue
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Summer programs may be expanded or modified
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Educational Programs:
- Ranger-led programs and interpretive activities are expected to continue
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New educational initiatives may be introduced
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Special Events:
- Information on upcoming events will be posted on the park’s website
- Visitors should check for any changes to annual events or celebrations
To stay informed about activities and events:
– Regularly check the Crater Lake National Park website
– Follow the park’s social media channels for updates
– Contact the park directly for specific inquiries
How Will the Transition Affect Existing Reservations and Bookings?
For visitors with existing reservations or plans to visit Crater Lake National Park, the transition to ExplorUS may raise some questions:
- Existing Reservations:
- Most existing reservations are expected to be honored
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Visitors with current bookings should receive communication about any changes
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New Bookings:
- The booking process may temporarily change during the transition
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Visitors are advised to check the official park website for the most up-to-date booking information
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Potential Changes:
- Pricing structures may be adjusted under new management
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Cancellation policies could be revised
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Contact Information:
- New contact details for reservations and inquiries may be provided
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Visitors should verify they have the correct contact information for their bookings
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Transition Period:
- Some services may experience temporary disruptions during the changeover
- Patience and flexibility are appreciated as the new operator settles in
Visitors with concerns about existing reservations or those planning to make new bookings should:
– Check their email for any communications from the park or ExplorUS
– Visit the Crater Lake National Park website for updated information
– Contact the park or ExplorUS directly with specific questions or concerns
The National Park Service and ExplorUS are working to ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption to visitor plans and experiences at Crater Lake National Park.