Wuksachi Lodge at Sequoia National Park is tentatively scheduled to open June 19/Delaware North file

Concessionaire Delaware North started to reopen lodging in the National Park System on Thursday, and is also rolling out a program designed to minimize the spread of coronavirus.

“We’re committed to delivering a safe and secure hospitality environment at the lodging we operate in and adjacent to the parks,” said Scott Socha, president of Delaware North’s parks and resorts division. “Nothing is more important than the health and safety of guests and employees, and our Rest Assured™ program is focused on that.” 

While some lodging in Shenandoah National Park opened on Thursday, lodging in Grand Canyon, Olympic, and Sequoia national parks, as well as along the Blue Ridge Parkway, will be opening in the coming weeks.

The lodge reopening program calls for:

• Yavapai Lodge at Grand Canyon National Park reopens Friday and is taking reservations. The lodge is a short walk or bus ride from the South Rim and steps away from the market, bank and post office at Grand Canyon Village. Yavapai Tavern’s outdoor dining is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The Trailer Village RV park reopened June 6 and is taking reservations. www.visitgrandcanyon.com 
• The Skyland lodge and the Lewis Mountain Cabins at Shenandoah National Park reopened Thursday (June 11), and Big Meadows Lodge reopens June 25. Accommodations are conveniently located along Virginia's scenic attraction, Skyline Drive. www.goshenandoah.com 
• Kalaloch Lodge, which features a Pacific Ocean-front lodge and cabins in Olympic National Park, is reopening June 12. www.thekalalochlodge.com 
• Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks – Wuksachi Lodge at Sequoia National Park is tentatively scheduled to open June 19, but that date is subject to state and local guidelines. Grant Grove Market, Grant Grove Gift Shop and Lodgepole Market would also open at that time. www.visitsequoia.com 
• Peaks of Otter Lodge on the Blue Ridge Parkway is set to reopen June 24. The lodge offers scenic views and easy access to hiking, wineries, historic sites and museums. www.peaksofotter.com 

The Rest Assured™ Commitment to Care program features new health and safety standards aimed at helping keep guests and employees safe. Delaware North has reengineered operating procedures to minimize contact risk and bolster hygiene protocols to meet or exceed best-practice guidelines of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

The Rest Assured™ program entails:

• Ensuring our operating standards uphold current social distancing guidelines as directed by local and state regulators and in compliance with the CDC. 

• Enhanced cleaning and sanitization protocols for all high-touch surfaces in common areas. 

• Reduced capacity and limited hours of operation, where appropriate. 

• Moving to a 48-hour cancelation policy across all properties – giving guests the assurance of a full refund prior to their planned stay, should circumstances change. 

• Courtesy sanitation kits in guest rooms and removal of most communal objects such as throw pillows, alarm clocks, glass cups/mugs (replaced with disposables), etc. 

• Bulk amenities replaced by single-serve amenities. 

• Cleaning and sanitizing guest rooms prior to arrival, with housekeeping upon request thereafter. 

• Most points of sale accept touchless mobile wallet payment options such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and FreedomPay. 

• Touchless sinks and soap dispensers in several restrooms. 

• Hand-sanitizing stations located throughout properties. 

In addition, Delaware North employees: 

• Take a health check when they report to work. 

• Sanitize their hands when they report to work and are required to wash and sanitize their hands frequently throughout the shift. 

• Undergo a comprehensive Rest Assured Training Program. 

• Wear face coverings while they are on duty.