On Thursday, March 22nd, The White House honored Carolyn Ward, CEO of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, as one of 13 leaders being recognized as “Let’s Move!
The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation conveyed ownership of the new Communications Center building to the Blue Ridge Parkway during a dedication ceremony on Thursday, March 22nd. The 1800 square-foot facility, which sits adjacent to Parkway headquarters in Asheville, will provide dispatch for emergency operations and law enforcement to the entire Blue Ridge Parkway as well as Kings Mountain National Military Park, Mt. Mitchell State Park, and the Veterans Administration Police Department in Asheville. As part of a move by the National Park Service to provide more centralized dispatching services, this facility is positioned to serve additional park units throughout the region.
The official opening and closing dates for the 2012 season have been published by the National Park Service. Most facilities will be open May 11, with some campgrounds and picnic areas opening earlier. Detailed dates and operating hours for all facilities can be found here.
Within the next few months, the National Park Service (NPS) intends to issue three new Prospectuses soliciting for proposals in response to business opportunities to operate lodging, retail, food and beverage and campground facilities within the Blue Ridge Parkway, including Peaks of Otter, Otter Creek and the Folk Art Center.
The Board of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation has unanimously approved over $650,000 in funding to the Blue Ridge Parkway for 2012 projects and programs.
