News Release

Fort Smith National Historic Site to Begin Phased Access to Park

Date: May 27, 2020
Contact: Lisa Conard Frost, 479-226-3701

Fort Smith National Historic Site will continue to operate under the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and local and state authorities to promote social distancing.  The National Park Service (NPS) is working service-wide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic, using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis. Where it is possible to adhere to the latest health guidance, the historic site grounds will remain open.   

Beginning June 1, 2020: 

• Weather permitting and applying Social Distancing guidelines, Park Rangers will conduct roving interpretation on the grounds and trails and will provide scheduled outdoor interpretive/educational daily programs at 10 am, 12 pm and 2 pm, meeting outside the Visitor Center entrance.
• The Commissary and Gallows will reopen to the public.
• Porta facilities for restroom use will be available in the main parking area.

With public health in mind, the following facilities will remain closed and will be phased back into operation when feasible, based on federal, state and local guidance and risk assessments from best available data: 

• Visitor Center
• Frisco Station

The National Park Service is a public service agency of the Federal Government; our mission is to protect the natural and cultural resources of the park, while providing for the enjoyment of the park by the public. We hold this mission dear to our hearts. We also understand that the historic site supports the health and well-being of the Nation and can help Americans during this emergency by giving them outdoor spaces to enjoy while following Public Health Department and CDC guidance. “This is a challenging situation for all of us and we want to do our part to prevent the spread of infectious disease,” said park Superintendent Lisa Conard Frost. “We will continue to monitor and modify our programs to protect the health and safety of our staff and visitors”.   

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Fort Smith National Historic Site is our number one priority. We will notify the public when we phase facilities back into operations and resume full operations by providing updates on our website and social media channels.
  
The NPS urges visitors to do their part when visiting a park and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious disease by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and others; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick. Visitors are encouraged to wear face masks and adhere to social distancing at least 6’ apart. For high-risk populations, such as the elderly and people with underlying conditions, we ask that they take extra caution and follow CDC guidance for those at higher risk of serious illness.  
Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. For more park-specific information and updates, visit our park website at www.nps.gov/fosm or follow us on social media via Facebook and Instagram.