Zion National Park To Receive Major Transformation With Generous Funding

Zion National Park, one of the crown jewels of the National Park system, is poised for a remarkable transformation thanks to substantial funding from various sources, including the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund. This infusion of financial support, combined with disaster recovery appropriations and visitor entrance fee dollars, is facilitating the complete rehabilitation of the park's historic South Campground.

The scope of the project is ambitious, addressing long-standing maintenance and repair needs while delivering a host of enhancements to improve visitor experience and preserve the campground's natural beauty. Among the planned improvements are new and rehabilitated bathrooms, modern drinking water systems, and improved sewer infrastructure. Additionally, stormwater drainage will be enlarged and reinforced to mitigate flooding risks, and campsites will be upgraded to better accommodate visitors.

Jeff Bradybaugh, Zion National Park Superintendent, expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its significance in revitalizing one of the park's most beloved and historic amenities. He emphasized the role of the Great American Outdoors Act in making this endeavor possible, underscoring Congress's commitment to preserving and enhancing our national parks for future generations.

In addition to infrastructure upgrades, the project includes measures to enhance visitor services and environmental sustainability. A new structure will be constructed to facilitate interactions with park rangers and issue Wilderness Permits for activities such as canyoneering and backpacking. Improved water drainage systems will bolster climate resilience and reduce the likelihood of flooding, while the revegetation of the campground with native plants will restore ecological balance.

This comprehensive rehabilitation effort reflects Zion National Park's commitment to responsible stewardship amid increasing visitation rates. As the number of park visitors has more than doubled over the past two decades, the need for maintenance and infrastructure improvements has become increasingly apparent. The rehabilitation of South Campground, which has been in operation since the 1920s, addresses the challenges posed by aging infrastructure while ensuring accessibility and preserving the campground's historic character.

The Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund plays a pivotal role in supporting this initiative, providing essential funding to address deferred maintenance and repair backlogs across the National Park system. With its focus on preservation, recreation, and education, the fund underscores the importance of investing in our nation's natural treasures to ensure they remain accessible and enjoyable for generations to come.