Despite the government shutdown, Valley Forge National Historical Park is remaining open, with some employees furloughed and others working without pay, writes Yukare Nakayama for NBC10 Philadelphia.
“Me and my buddy ride the trails here on our bikes,” said one visitor. “It’s a beautiful park, it’s a great day.”
“It’s a beautiful place full of history,” added another.
The visitors center, however, is closed, and tour guides and other staff are unavailable, disrupting some visitors’ plans.
“We wanted to get our stamps in our book,” said one couple.
There are still ways to get around the park, including scanning a QR code for a virtual tour. Public bathrooms remain available.
Colleen Craney and her friend, Lisa, visit the park each month. Colleen is hoping the government shutdown will end soon for those most affected.
“The government shutdown is disheartening honestly,” she said. “I hate when it affects, it affects us personally and all those who work here and all the government workers who are now not working.”
According to the National Park Service contingency plan, and under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, law enforcement, emergency teams, and other essential workers, including sanitation staff, are expected to keep working.
Read more about Valley Forge National Historical Park at NBC10 Philadelphia.
