Yosemite National Park: A Troubling Tale of Neglect Amid Commercialization

Yosemite National Park, a natural wonder known for its towering waterfalls, majestic granite cliffs, and rich biodiversity, has long been a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. However, the park is now facing serious challenges that threaten not only the safety of its workers and visitors but also the preservation of its natural resources. The root of these issues can be traced to the privatization of park services, particularly under the management of Aramark, a global hospitality giant that has held the concession contract at Yosemite since 2016.

A Deteriorating Situation: From Worker Illnesses to Infrastructure Failures

Yosemite's once pristine and well-maintained accommodations and services are now marked by numerous safety hazards and neglect. Workers and visitors alike have suffered due to these deteriorating conditions, and the evidence is hard to ignore.

One disturbing story comes from a former worker who, after just a month at Yosemite, became seriously ill. Assigned to a canvas tent on a plywood platform, she found herself battling a rodent infestation. The tents had holes that allowed mice to enter, leaving droppings in her bedding and even nesting in her clothes. This put her at risk of Hantavirus, a dangerous disease that is spread by rodents. Unfortunately, this is just one of many reports detailing unsafe living conditions for park employees under Aramark's management.

In addition to worker health concerns, the park’s infrastructure has also been badly affected. In 2023, a ceiling collapsed at the Ahwahnee Hotel, one of the park’s most iconic properties, injuring workers and visitors. Another railing at a different hotel gave way when a guest leaned on it, leading to further injuries. These incidents were not even reported to the National Park Service (NPS), raising serious questions about Aramark’s commitment to safety and transparency.

But the issues don't stop there. In 2022, workers spilled 500 gallons of glycol, a toxic substance used in antifreeze, dangerously close to the Merced River, a critical water source that flows through the park. The company failed to report this environmental hazard, adding to the growing list of violations under its watch.

The Problem with Privatization: A Systemic Issue

The issues at Yosemite are part of a much larger problem within the National Park System. Aramark, a $9 billion hospitality company, holds the contract to run various services across multiple national parks, including Yosemite. The company is responsible for running nine lodging options, 23 restaurants and cafes, several gift shops, and even a ski mountain. The scale of the operations is vast, akin to running a small city. Yet, despite the enormous revenues generated by these services—approximately $140 million annually—Aramark has failed to meet the expectations set out in its contract.

The problem lies in the law that governs commercial concessions in national parks. This law provides incentives for companies like Aramark to operate for profit but offers the National Park Service limited authority to enforce compliance. As a result, Aramark's contract has remained in place despite numerous complaints and incidents.

The Bigger Picture: Neglect Across Multiple Parks

Yosemite is not alone in its struggles with Aramark. The company has faced similar complaints at other national parks, including Crater Lake in Oregon. At Crater Lake, Aramark’s failures were so severe that a federal review was prompted, leading to the transfer of its contract to another company in 2023. Issues at Crater Lake included a 5,000-gallon sewage spill and multiple injuries sustained by visitors. These incidents mirrored the problems in Yosemite, yet Aramark's contract there was allowed to continue until public outcry forced action.

So, why is Aramark still operating at Yosemite? The answer lies in the limited competition for such contracts. With only three major concessioners—Aramark, Xanterra, and Delaware North—competing for national park service contracts, the result is often subpar service and a lack of accountability across the entire park system.

Growing Public Outcry and Calls for Change

As the conditions at Yosemite continue to deteriorate, both the public and park workers are demanding change. The National Park Service has recently announced increased oversight, particularly at the 168-year-old Wawona Hotel, which will shut down indefinitely in December. This move comes as the federal government steps up its scrutiny of Aramark’s operations.

In response to mounting criticism, Aramark has pledged to address the issues by launching several repair and construction projects, replacing top executives, and rehiring maintenance staff. However, many critics argue that these measures are too little, too late. The National Park Service itself has acknowledged that Aramark’s performance has been subpar, yet the company’s continued presence at Yosemite underscores a deeper issue within the management of national parks.

The Future of Yosemite and National Parks

The challenges facing Yosemite are a reflection of a larger issue with the privatization of public services in national parks. These parks, which belong to the American people, should be places of beauty and safety, not sites of neglect and danger. The commercialization of park services, designed to generate profit for private companies, has compromised the quality of experiences for both visitors and employees.

Moving forward, there is a pressing need for the public to voice their concerns and hold both the National Park Service and companies like Aramark accountable. National parks should be better managed, with a higher standard of service and an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of both visitors and staff. As Yosemite struggles with the consequences of poor management, it serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing profits over preservation and public welfare.

The public's call for change is clear: national parks must be places where the natural beauty and safety of the land are prioritized above all else. Only through increased oversight, better management, and accountability can we ensure that these treasured spaces continue to thrive for generations to come.