The National Park Service announced Friday afternoon that eight parks around the Bay Area will be suspending visitor operations, due to “very unhealthy” air quality. This suspension is a result of the California wildfires that have grown in size this month, and closes visitor centers across more than 18,000 acres of public land managed by the National Park Service and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The Air Quality Index, a report on particulate matter in the air from the EPA, states that as of Friday afternoon the air around these San Francisco parks is at “very unhealthy levels.”
A map of the Air Quality Index in the Bay Area as of Friday, November 16, 2018. The maroon color indicates “very unhealthy” air quality, and the red indicates “unhealthy”
The NPS press release states that, “volunteer programs, outdoor walks, and education programs are also suspended. All emergency services and emergency facility operations will continue to be available. Park management will reevaluate park operations as conditions change.” The Dyrt contacted the Golden Gate National Recreation Area communications department for more information on the San Francisco parks closings, but received no response.
The list of parks currently suspending visitor entry include some of the most popular regional parks in San Francisco and the Bay Area. Below is the full list, taken from the NPS press release.
- Presidio Visitor Center
- Crissy Field Warming Hut
- Alcatraz Island (no access will be available to Alcatraz Island)
- Fort Point National Historic Site
- Muir Woods National Monument Visitor Center and concessions
- Marin Headlands Visitor Center
- Lands End Lookout
- Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center
To stay up to date on these closings, check the Golden Gate National Recreation Area’s newsroom for updated information. For information on air quality, follow the EPA’s AIRNow website.
