On Friday, Oct. 24, 2008, Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne will speak at a dedication ceremony at Yosemite National Park for the redesigned and renovated Tunnel View Overlook, which has provided one of the most iconic views of Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Cathedral Rocks.
The Secretary will join Yosemite National Park Superintendent Mike Tollefson and Yosemite Fund donors to dedicate this Signature Centennial Initiative Project. This $3 million restoration was funded by The Yosemite Fund and the National Park Service as part of the President’s Centennial Initiative.
These are the first changes to this area since the iconic Overlook was constructed in 1933. This world famous view of Yosemite Valley is visited by as many as 7,000 people a day in the summer. Improvements include an expanded handicap accessible viewing area, improved traffic flow, educational exhibits, and historic rockwork.
| Who: | Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne National Park Service Pacific West Regional Director Jon Jarvis Yosemite National Park Superintendent Mike Tollefson Bob Hansen, President, The Yosemite Fund Native American Dancers from the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians |
| What: | Tunnel View Dedication Ceremony – A Signature Centennial Initiative Project |
| When: | Friday, October 24, 2008 11:00 a.m. |
| Where: | Tunnel View Overlook on Highway 41 (Wawona Road), approximately one mile from Yosemite Valley. Event site can also be accessed via Highways 120 and 140. Parking available on-site.
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| Media: | Spectacular views of Yosemite Valley from completely refurbished overlook Dedication of the new viewing area by Secretary Kempthorne and other officials Traditional Native American dancing provided by Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians Individual interviews with ceremony participants Parking available for media on-site. Please arrive early for still photos and reenactment of historic photos from the 1933 dedication ceremony, "Paegent of Progress" |