The Oregonian is reporting that a new company is looking to run operations in Crater Lake National Park.
Park officials announced this week that ExplorUS, a Kansas-based hospitality company, intends to take over the concessions contract at Crater Lake, which is currently held by Crater Lake Hospitality, a subsidiary of Philadelphia-based Aramark.
Aramark faces a litany of serious accusations around its management of the park since 2018, including unsafe housing conditions, environmental hazards and public health code violations. In February, the National Park Service announced its intention to terminate the contract, which was set to end in 2030.
Now, it appears that Aramark plans to transfer its contract to ExplorUS, instead of the National Park Service awarding a new, temporary contract to a company of its choosing.
ExplorUS said in a news release that the company has signed a "definitive letter of intent" to take over the contract from Aramark's subsidiary, but offered no other information about the deal. CEO Frank Pikus said the company is "committed to working with the National Park Service to enhance and protect the visitor experience."
Scott Clemans, a regional spokesperson for the National Park Service, said the agency must give written approval before Aramark can complete the transfer. He indicated the arrangement would spell the end of Aramark's tenure at the Oregon landmark.
ExplorUS plans to transition all current Crater Lake Hospitality employees to the company, and intends to offer all visitor services this summer, it announced Monday. The company also intends to honor all reservations and deposits for future stays.
