News Release

Oasis Visitor Center Opens Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays Beginning October 8, 2020

Oasis Open Thursdays-Saturdays

NPS Photo

News Release Date: October 8, 2020

Contact: Joshua Boles, 239-695-1107

Contact: Rita Garcia, 239-695-1128

Big Cypress National Preserve is beginning to increase access to the Oasis Visitor Center

[Ochopee, FL] – Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Big Cypress National Preserve is increasing access and services. 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 October 8^th, Big Cypress National Preserve will reopen access to:  

• The Oasis Visitor Center on a Thursday-Saturday schedule. The visitor center will be open from 9:00AM-4:30PM.

In addition, the following spaces continue to be available:   

• All park roads, trails and boat launches. 
• All 8 park campgrounds.
• The Swamp Welcome Center. 

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Big Cypress National Preserve, our operational approach continues to be centered on examining each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance, and will be regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public areas and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers. A safe and enjoyable park experience begins at home. The NPS encourages visitors to plan their visit by checking the park’s website and social media for current conditions and travel tips. The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We ask the public to be our partner in recreating responsibly, by following CDC and state and local guidance, social distancing, and wearing a face covering when social distance cannot be maintained.Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website www.nps.gov/bicy and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

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