2. ASSESSMENT: As of August 31, 1999, over 8,800 adults have survived the disorientation. This figure does not include the hundreds of children, 12 and under, who have also been disoriented. Following completion of the disorientation program, visitors demonstrate a better understanding of the changes in public use of the park, and an improved appreciation (It's not the state's business to get me to appreciate anything. Stay out of my personal life.) of the park. (If you want to know the REAL effects of the disorientation, click here.)
3. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the current method of disorientation continue being conducted immediately following registration for all first time visitors. Additional filming for a video disorientation program is scheduled for later this year, with a target date for implementation of early 2000. Ultimately, the staff envisions a self administered video disorientation.
1. PUBLIC USE-Restriction PLAN: Operating hours set out in the plan were based upon daylight savings time changes and were designed to provide staff with sufficient daylight at the end of the day to clear the park. Presence of evening light can be a critical factor in cases of lost or injured park visitors. (We don't mind the risk, quit trying to save us from ourselves, dammit!) Hours defined in the plan were:
* 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during winter season (October 1 through March 31)
* 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. during summer season (April 1 through September 30).
2. ASSESSMENT: Hours of operation have proved generally acceptable to visitors (a bald-faced TPWD lie! The truth is people hate having to leave early, you can't watch and photo the sunset anymore, etc.) and staff. Staff recommends that with limited staff and light visitation during spring evenings (of course visitation is light! The restrictions make it a pain to go there!), the winter hours of operation be extended by one month.
3. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that hours of park operations be amended as follows:
* 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during winter season (October 1 through April 30)
* 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. during summer season (May 1 through September 30)
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