News Release

Shiloh to Begin Phased Reopening

NPS Photo

News Release Date: May 26, 2020

Contact: Chris Mekow, 731-689-5696

SHILOH, TN – Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Shiloh National Military Park is increasing recreational access and services. The National Park Service (NPS) is working service-wide 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 this Friday, May 29, 2020, Shiloh National Military Park will reopen access to the:

· Visitor Center parking area.
· Restroom in the parking area.
· Picnic area and restroom.

In addition, the following spaces continue to be available:

· Shiloh Battlefield, Corinth Battlefield, National Cemetery, Shiloh Indian Mounds National   Historic Landmark, trails, tour roads, and the Corinth Contraband Camp.

With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed at this time:

· Visitor Center and the Corinth Interpretive Center

“The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Shiloh, our operational approach is to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance, and will be regularly monitored,” said Acting Superintendent Randy Martin. “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.”

While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19, and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website www.nps.gov/shil and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.