HomeMy WebLinkAboutOlympic National Park E f
Q�R
W A S H I N G T O N, U. S. A.
City Manager's Office
December 24, 2014
Sarah Creachbaurn, Superintendent
Olympic National Park
600 East Park Avenue
Port Angeles, WA 98362
RE: National Park Hurricane Ridge Access
Dear Superintendent Creachbaum:
As you are aware, the City has always participated in emphasizing the importance of
year-around access to Hurricane Ridge. The access provided by Olympic National
Park has helped to make Hurricane Ridge the number one travel attraction on Trip
Advisor within the State of Washington. For our local economy, that has resulted in
two record setting years for the tourism sector. In 2013, the City's business
community witnessed tourism related revenue of$44 million; that grew to $45.7
million in 2014.
Despite the positive implications noted above, the City's tourism related businesses
struggle during the non-peak season. Specifically, hotel occupancy suffers between
October 15t" and April 15"'. Lower occupancy translates to less business activity in
our core commercial corridors. The City is committed to changing this outlook, and
with the help of Olympic National Park, the potential for change is great.
Over the years, we appreciate that Olympic National Park has stepped up to offer a
more consistent opening of Hurricane Ridge Road during the winter months. The
community has benefitted from the regular road opening on Fridays, Saturdays, and
Sundays, and now many citizens and civic groups have requested that the City
Council advocate for the opening of Hurricane Ridge Road for an additional day
each week.
We understand that Olympic National Park is being asked to do more with a limited
amount of resources. However, when conditions allow for the road to remain open
for travel, the City asks that the Park make every effort to keep the road open,
recognizing the positive impacts this access has on our citizens and local business
Phone: 360-417-4500/Fax: 360-417-4509/TTY: 360-417-4645
Wehsite: www.cityofpa.us/ Email: citymanager @cityofpa.us
321 East Fifth Street - P.O. Box 1150/Port Angeles, WA 98362-0217
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Page 2
Olympic National Park
Hurricane Ridge Access
We appreciate Olympic National Park as our neighbor and partner. The proximity of
the majestic, outdoor beauty of the park is what makes Port Angeles unique and what
makes is a wonderful experience not just for the people who live here, but for all who
visit. Thank you for all you do to care for and preserve this tremendous resource.
Sin ely,
Dan DiGuilio
Mayor, City of Port Angeles
CC City Council
Dan McKeen, City Manager
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