06/11/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/11/2021 15:40
Following guidance from the White House, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Little Rock Central High School NHS is increasing public access to the visitor center and on park programming on June 14, 2021 which will include:
Continued access to the below services and amenities in the National Historic Site Visitor Center:
Free admission, open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CDT with limited services
Limited access to park bookstore
No more than 25 (twenty-five) visitors will be allowed inside the visitor center at any time
Visitors may have to wait to access and may be restricted to 30 minutes in the visitor center on higher visitation days
(9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. last entry)
Exhibits open to no more than 25 (twenty-five) visitors at any time
(9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. last viewing)
Limited informal programming on NHS grounds
(selected times between 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Outdoor spaces at Little Rock Central High School NHS remain accessible to the public in accordance with the latest federal, state, and local health guidance:
Commemorative Garden
Elizabeth Eckford Commemorative Bench
'This decision, made with guidance from federal, state and local health authorities, will allow Little Rock Central High School NHS to further serve our internal and external constituents as well as continue to protect our cultural and natural resources,' said Superintendent Robin White. 'The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Little Rock Central High School NHS, our operational approach will be to examine 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 and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.'
While these above areas and programs are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may continue to be limited. Phase III will eventually allow full access to the visitor center, exhibits, park film, bookstore and scheduled tours of no more than 50 participants. However, moving to Phase III is contingent upon successful implementation through Phase II as well as sufficient staff capacity, relevant personal protective equipment, and current local and state health guidance. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders from the Arkansas Department of Health, practice Leave No Traceprinciples, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities. As of May 19, visitors who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces.
The CDC has offered guidanceto 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/chsc, and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.