Hampton Impacted By Government Shutdown

TOWSON, MD — The government shutdown has hit close to home. Over the weekend, the National Park Service closed its facilities. Those included Hampton National Historic Site in Towson.

The park on Hampton Lane in Towson will be open for pedestrians but its buildings will be closed until further notice, officials said. The closure began on Saturday, Jan. 20.

Federal funding expired Jan. 20 after the Senate rejected a budget deal that didn't include a solution for the estimated 700,000 immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children, meaning hundreds of thousands of federal employees who are non-essential were told not to come in to work.

The last government shutdown in 2013 resulted in 850,000 federal workers being furloughed per day, causing the shuttering of not just government offices, but also national parks and museums, NBC reported.

Here is what the Hampton National Historic Site said in a statement:

"Due to the lapse in federal appropriations, the National Park Service (NPS) is unable to fully staff the properties under its management, including Hampton National Historic Site. All park buildings, including the Visitor Center, mansion, and all restrooms will be closed.

"The park grounds will remain open to pedestrian access from dawn to dusk.

"Park visitors are advised to use caution if choosing to enter NPS property, as NPS personnel will not be available to provide guidance, assistance, maintenance, or emergency response. Any entry onto NPS property during this period of federal government shutdown is at the visitor’s sole risk. Visitors should dial 911 in the event of an emergency. Do not park motor vehicles on park property, including on the grass along Hampton Lane or in front of any of the main entrance gates. All laws and regulations will continue to be enforced.

"During the shutdown period the NPS will not issue permits, conduct educational programs, collect trash, operate or provide restrooms, maintain roads or walkways (including plowing and ice melting), or provide visitor information and services.

"Additional information is available at nps.gov/hamp and doi.gov/shutdown Note: We will respond to all social media messages after the federal government has reopened."

Photo courtesy of Hampton National Historic Site.

Patch editor Deb Belt contributed.