Valley Forge is a historical sight with deep roots to our country’s history. A place where people from near and far visit.
“Me and my buddy ride the trails here on our bikes. It’s a beautiful park, it’s a great day,” one visitor told us.
Another said, “It’s a beautiful place full of history.” While it seemed like business as usual on Friday, several services and workers were nowhere to be found.
As cars and families still drive in to visit the park, workers have been furloughed and others are working without pay.
It’s put a wrench in one couple’s plans. “We wanted to get our stamps in our book.”
Due to the government shutdown, the visitors center at Valley Forge National Park is closed. Tour guides and other helpers are not available.
But, there are other ways around the park, like scanning a QR code for a virtual tour. Public bathrooms are also still open for now.
Colleen Craney and her friend, Lisa, stop by the park once a month. She is hoping the shutdown doesn’t last long for the sake of those most impacted.
“The government shutdown is disheartening honestly. 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,” Craney said.
According to the National Park Service contingency plan; law enforcement, emergency response teams and other essential workers such as sanitation and trash collectors under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, are expected to continue working.
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