Drawing Minorities to National Parks

Re “National Parks Hope to Attract More Minority Visitors,” Jan. 17: Just how does this work? First you double the entrance fee to $20. Next you have a study and find that those in the lower-income groups are not flocking into the park and availing themselves of the campgrounds that have been removed to eliminate the “huge crowds.” Now park administrators have yet another project they can work on. Anyone like to attend the endless hearings?

RICHARD B. PRIDHAM

Downey

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I always thought the relevance of national parks is their ability to provide settings of natural beauty or historical interest for all who choose to visit them. What a surprise to all the minority visitors who felt the same to learn that “white clientele” are the only ones comfortable enjoying those benefits. Thanks for telling me that the real reason I visit the parks is to see people “who look more like me.”

I also thought that park employees, like those in most work settings, might be expected to share some common ground with each other based on something besides the color of their skin. It’s interesting to hear that a black national park employee “has often been lonely,” presumably because she can’t find anything in common with her peers who might just share a love of the outdoors or be of her age or gender. The article didn’t explain specifically how national parks promote “a white, outdoorsy image.” But the next time I’m hiking a trail and enjoying the splendid vistas with other visitors, perhaps that, too, will become clear.

OLIVIA YATES

Rolling Hills Estates