Just received this in my mailbox:

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Fernando Simal
Tel: 717-8444 / 565 5229
E-mail: washingtonpark@stinapa.org

ROADS IN WASHINGTON PARK TEMPORARILY CLOSED

Kralendijk, 25th of November 2004 - Many transects of the roads in Washington park have been damaged severely by the heavy rains this last week. Transit is closed for all kind of vehicles and will remain like that for at least one week. The Visitor Center at the entrance will be open normally.

After a road inspection, the Park Manager, Fernando Simal, decided to close the access to the areas inside the park to all kind of vehicles until proper repairs can be performed and the roads are safe again. It is estimated that the roads need at least 4 days of sunshine before they can dry up enough to perform these repairs.

The Visitors Center, the museum and the walking trails at the entrance will remain open at regular hours from 8 to 5. Tomorrow Friday, 26th of November the park will close at 3:30 pm.

We will keep you informed on the progress of the repairs.

Thanks jake I`ll cancel my weekend picnic trip to the park !

Well, funny that you say that. I guess they realized the above press release would scare people away, so they just sent out the following:

GREAT OPORTUNITIES FOR ACTIVITIES IN THE WASHINGTON PARK

Kralendijk, 25th of November 2004 - The Washington Slagbaai National Park would like to invite the people of the island and the visitors alike to take advantage of the situation of the closed roads in the park for some incredible hiking, mountain biking and bird watching opportunities.

The park is extremely quiet and peaceful without the vehicles, which makes it easy to spot different animals by the roads, the green of the vegetation is overwhelming and the temperature is “friendlier” than normal with the clouds.

It will take between 6 and 8 hours to walk around the whole park and between 2 and 4 hours to go by bike. The roads are very wet, so be ready for a lot of mud and a lot of fun. Also, be prepared for some showers during this journey. As you can see, these are activities not for everybody but for those in real good shape and well equipped.

See you at the Park!!

Boy, I hope all the hard work they did in the park on some of the sections which are paved did not bite the dust! That would be a shame. They really worked hard and did a nice job.

It sounds like fun in the park without motorized vehicles!

Thanks for the info, Jake. Carole

Update from Fernando:

Hello everyone,

I'm happy to inform you that after some repairs during the last two days, the short route in Washington Slagbaai National Park can be traveled by motor vehicles again.

Be advise that the condition of the road is far from perfect, so ONLY jeeps, pick up trucks and vans with high clearance can drive on it. You do not need 4x4 vehicles.

The bad conditions of the roads are truly compensated by the vegetation, amount of water and birds in the salinas and been able to see first hand some of the effects of the rains. I attached a couple of pictures showing the amount of water and sediment that flowed during last week.

See you there!

Fernando

Wow! Thanks, Jake. I'm glad things are slowly returning to normal up there. They really did work so hard this past year on the cement road repairs and everything else. Mother Nature has certainly show all of us that she is in charge and not us! Glad things are shaping up...for the critters and for the visitors. Carole

Any update on the progress on the roads in the park? We are coming the first part of Feb and the park was something we enjoyed immensely last trip and want to show those of our party that haven't visited yet. Also, I have seen posts saying pickups only, is this the case? Our last trip we made it through in a ratty little minivan with no problems.