With the government shutdown entering its third week, everyone who loves parks can feel the impact. Here in the Bay Area, national parks aren’t just beautiful places to visit—they’re an essential part of our lives and our economy. The Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) alone contributes more than $2 billion each year to the region, supporting jobs, tourism, and local businesses.
As the shutdown continues, the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy has stepped up to keep beloved park sites open for visitors. Thanks to strong partnerships and the unwavering support of our community, we’re continuing to deliver on our promise of Parks for All Forever.
In collaboration with the Hornblower Group and Alcatraz City Cruises, we’ve made a donation to the National Park Service (NPS) that allows Alcatraz Island to stay open to visitors. Similarly, through a donation to the NPS we’re proud to help keep Fort Point open, currently home to the powerful exhibition Black Gold: Stories Untold, which has already drawn more than 70,000 visitors and celebrates the contributions of African Americans to California and our national parks.
These locations can only stay open when the Parks Conservancy provides support to the NPS for limited operations and when people honor and respect the parks. Sponsoring the opening of sites during a shutdown also depends on the thoughtfulness of visitors; our natural places and historic sites must be cared for, not damaged or vandalized.
Our commitment to these parklands remains strong, even in moments of uncertainty. Every person who loves these places has a part to play. I’m deeply grateful to all of you who give your time, talent, and resources to keep the spirit of the parks alive. Maintaining the GGNRA, which welcomes more than 19 million visitors each year, takes all of us working together through public and private partnerships. Now is a moment to come together and stand with the parks you love. Your involvement and generosity help keep them thriving.
A donation of any size helps sustain the work to keep parks thriving.
We’re also thankful for the leadership of San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, who shares our belief in the power of public-private partnership for public good to deliver real results for communities. Parks are spaces that unify rather than divide and help drive the revitalization of our local economy.
Shutdowns cause real hardship for NPS park rangers and staff, the dedicated stewards who care for our trails, wildlife, and historic landmarks. The current plan from the NPS indicates that about 70% of staff across the country will be furloughed. You can help make a difference during this critical time. When you don’t have a park service, you have problems at parks. The most pressing concern is possible damage to natural areas and historic sites when rangers aren’t regularly on duty. If the shutdown continues, we’ll need our community’s support to help keep sites open. Every contribution, whether $50 or $5,000, directly supports public access and the care of our parks.
Before you head out, check the Parks Conservancy's website for the latest updates on facilities and services. And please, be a thoughtful visitor: pack out your trash, stay on marked trails, and follow all posted signs. If you see a sign that’s not normally in a place you visit, like Muir Woods, and it says CLOSED, please honor the instruction that the NPS is giving you. Plan ahead and take public transit where possible, it's one of the benefits of living in vibrant urban gateway communities that serve as the front doors to our national parks. When we each do our part, we help protect the places we love. These moments remind us why we do this work. Together, we can ensure these national parks remain protected, open, and welcoming for all.
I hope you’ll join me in standing up for and supporting parks during the shutdown so they can stay open for everyone to enjoy.
