Yosemite Vista Gets $1.5 Million Makeover

 

Olmstead Point on Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park makes viewing breath-taking scenery like this possible for the thousands of people who visit the park each year. The Yosemite Fund, a non-profit organization based in San Francisco, has provided the funding for a $1 million renovation that will include a granite retaining wall, parking area, wheelchair access and viewing scopes.Photo:www.webshots.com

Olmstead Point, one of Yosemite National Park?EUR??,,????'???s most popular vistas, is getting a $1.5 million makeover courtesy of private donors who have stepped in and picked up where the government never began.

In 2000, during the presidential campaign, George W. Bush promised $5 billion to help erase the national park system?EUR??,,????'???s maintenance backlog. However, according to a 2003 report from the U.S. General Accounting Office, the backlog stands at approximately $4.1 billion to $6.8 billion ?EUR??,,????'??? figures that clearly point out an unfulfilled promise.

The Yosemite Fund, a non-profit organization based in San Francisco, is funding the project that is expected to be completed by mid-November if the weather cooperates. Slated for installation are new granite retaining walls, parking area, viewing scopes, wheelchair access and interpretive signs with information about the surrounding area.

?EUR??,,????'??We can do things in the park with private funding and bring the standard up to a higher level to make the visitors experience much better,?EUR??,,????'?? said Bob Hansen, president of the Yosemite Fund. ?EUR??,,????'??The way we see it, we?EUR??,,????'???re participating in the renaissance of Yosemite.?EUR??,,????'??

Olmstead Point was established in 1961 when roads in the area were widened. The point was named for Frederick Law Olmstead, who is best known for designing New York?EUR??,,????'???s Central Park. Olmstead was a surveyor and advocate for Yosemite?EUR??,,????'???s protection in the 19th century.

Many national parks throughout the United States are in need of repairs and renovations. Yosemite park officials are overjoyed with the Yosemite Fund?EUR??,,????'???s work. Earlier this year, the group provided $13 million for the Yosemite Falls renovation that brought new parking lots, restrooms and signs to the area.

?EUR??,,????'??Olmstead Point probably offers the most spectacular view of Yosemite?EUR??,,????'???s high country of any place on the Tioga Road,?EUR??,,????'?? said Hansen. ?EUR??,,????'??It?EUR??,,????'???s one of those places where you feel a sense of drama ?EUR??,,????'??? like seeing a great painting or the Golden Gate Bridge. It overwhelms you. This place is really worth the extra effort.?EUR??,,????'??

Source: The Mercury News