Date: June 11, 2009
Contact: Russ Bodnar, (505) 786-7014 ext. 240
Camping at Chaco Culture National Historical Park will be interrupted when emergency repairs begin at the Gaool Campground to replace the septic system. When construction begins, the park will suspend all camping in the park. Visitor will need to make alternative arrangements for their Chaco visit and find another camping option. The campground closure is expected to begin on June 15, 2009 and ocntinue until project completion (approximately three weeks). The park will continue to provide updates on this closure, the expected project completion date, and the campground re-opening. Visit the park web site (www.nps.gov/chcu) or call the park for updated information (505-786-7014 ext. 221).
The park will continue to provide daily tours of Pueblo Bonito (10am and 2pm), Night Sky programs on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings (8pm) and other special presentations, like the summer solstice events with Bert Leno's Acoma Native Culture Dancers at Pueblo Bonito on June 20, 2009.
Superintendent Barbara West thanks visitors for understanding our situation and we regret this inconvenience. "Although our campground will be closed, we extend our invitation to visit the park. Many nearby camping options exist. Entrance is free on June 20 and 21. Summer solstice will be a special day to visit the park. Help us celebrate the bdginning of sumemr and share in the rich traditions that began at Chaco a thousand years ago and are still alive and well in native peoples today."
The National Park Service will waive entrnace fees during 3 weekends this summer to help with the tough economic times. The designated dates are June 20-21, July 18-19, and August 15-16, 2009.
