Over 300 people gathered in downtown Hot Springs for a rally in support of National Park Service employees who have been laid off due to cuts by the Trump administration, following protests at national park sites across the country. Hot Springs National Park, uniquely located in the heart of the city, plays a crucial role in the local economy, drawing in tourism dollars which peak during the city’s busiest season.
The National Park Service announced that the Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center and Museum would be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays beginning March 4, impacting an unknown number of employees in the area. Despite record-breaking visitor numbers and significant economic contributions, the park is facing cutbacks that have already led to visible impacts on park maintenance and cleanliness.
Rally attendees, including local residents, expressed concerns about the economic effects of the layoffs and closures, as well as the broader impact on public lands and access to national parks. Speakers urged the crowd to volunteer and support the park in various ways, while organizers suggested the possibility of future rallies to continue advocating for the importance of the National Park system.
Despite the grassroots nature of the rally, the large turnout highlighted the community’s strong support for the National Park Service employees and the preservation of public lands for the enjoyment of all. As Hot Springs gears up for the upcoming tourism season, the rally served as a reminder of the park’s significance to the local economy and the community as a whole.
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