ZION NATIONAL PARK – Zion National Park will begin construction of three new comfort stations in Loops B, C/D, and E of Watchman Campground on Jan. 23.

The construction of these 900-square-foot buildings will include the restroom facilities, sidewalks, and adjacent landscaping. The replacement of the deteriorating comfort stations is necessary to improve visitor safety and resource protection. The project is expected to be completed by mid-July 2012.

The new comfort stations will be designed using the National Park Service Rustic Style and will incorporate sustainability principles used in recently-completed comfort stations in the Watchman Campground. The project will also include the removal of four existing comfort stations.

One campsite will be closed in Loop B and two campsites in Loop C of Watchman Campground for the duration of the project. The remaining campsites in Loops B & C will be open throughout the construction period. Visitors camping in sites near the project area may experience construction noise during daytime hours.

The work will be completed primarily by contract which was awarded to Grand Enterprises, LLC from Ogden, Utah. Funding for this project came from the National Recreation Fee  Demonstration Program which provides monies collected from park entrance fees and other fees for use in park maintenance, repair projects, and public service programs.

For more information on this construction project, contact Jim Valentine at 435-772-0191. For information on Watchman Campground, visit the park website  at http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/campgrounds-in-zion.htm