There is a new concession operator at Patagonia State Park. Ho hum, you say, what is newsworthy about that? Actually, the new operator, Aramark, has plans to make some pretty swell improvements over the next year or two. The store has already been spruced up and hours of operation have been extended to 8 a.m.-8 p.m. on weekends and 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. on weekdays, March -September. A major expansion of the dock is under construction now. By the end of the month, a new fleet of boats will be at the marina, including flat bottomed jonboats, kayaks, bicycle boats, pontoon boats, and paddleboards.
Park Ranger Colt Alford and Aramark Manager Elaina Cole are excited about the new partnership and have a number of additional improvements in the works. WiFi will soon be available in the campground. Four short term rental cabins will be built near the beach to expand choices for visitors. Alford says WiFi and cabins are the most common requests they hear from visitors. Aramark has also proposed adding an annual Fourth of July celebration on the weekend nearest the holiday. The annual Mariachi Festival will continue, this year on May 21st. It is always quite the party and definitely worth experiencing, at least once!
Perhaps the biggest news is the plan to construct a new pavilion along the beach. This would serve local wines and microbrews and be available for a variety of events. It could be a real draw for locals and visitors alike. Stay tuned for more info on the timing for the new pavilion.
Aramark is an international firm, based in Philadelphia. They also run the concession at Kartchner Caverns and have a number of other contracts within the state of Arizona. Aramark was selected through a competitive bidding process. They took over operations on February 1, and have a 10-year contract with the option for two, five-year extensions. For any questions about services, you can reach them at the same number as the prior contractor, 520-287-5545.
Aramark will employ 15 people, including jobs in retail, maintenance, office, and at the dock. Combined with the eight permanent and three seasonal staff employed by the state, Patagonia State Park is a major employer around here. The park’s 200,000 annual visitors will keep all these folks pretty busy!