WESTERMAN ATTENDS MAURICE BATTHOUSE RESTORATION GROUNDBREAKING IN HOT SPRINGS

HOT SPRINGS - Today, the National Park Service broke ground on the Maurice Bathhouse restoration project in Hot Springs. This project underscores the National Park Service’s dedication to restoring Hot Springs National Park historic bathhouses under the Great American Outdoors Act’s Legacy Restoration Fund. Congressman Bruce Westerman was in attendance for this celebratory event and released the following statement: 

“With this groundbreaking, we celebrate not just the restoration of a historic bathhouse, but also the restoration of Hot Springs’ legacy,” said Congressman Bruce Westerman. “Deeply woven into the story of the Natural State is the heritage of our beloved thermal springs and the economic opportunities they brought to the surrounding areas in the early days of our state’s history. I am grateful to the National Park Service for their tremendous efforts in revitalizing such a crucial area of Hot Springs National Park, as well as the National Park Foundation for highlighting successes of the Great American Outdoors Act both in Arkansas and across the nation. I look forward to seeing the lasting impacts of this enriching project for generations to come.” 

President & CEO of the National Park Foundation, Jeff Reinbold, and Superintendent of Hot Springs National Park, Laura Miller, were also in attendance.  

"The restoration of the Maurice Bathhouse represents what's possible when we work together," said Jeff Reinbold, President & CEO of the National Park Foundation. "By revitalizing this iconic structure in Hot Springs, the National Park Service is using a successful public-private partnership model that benefits the local economy, enhances the experience for visitors, and preserves our treasured places. Thanks to the Legacy Restoration Fund, this project marks a long-term investment in the vitality of the Hot Springs community and its surrounding natural landscape."

“This project is about more than bricks and mortar—it’s about preserving the stories, architecture, and spirit of Hot Springs’ legacy,” said Superintendent Laura Miller. “We’re grateful for the support of our partners and the public as we take this next step in revitalizing Bathhouse Row.” 

The Maurice Bathhouse is the final historic bathhouse on Bathhouse Row to undergo restoration. Originally opened for business in 1912, the bathhouse served as a recreation and relaxation facility for decades before its closure in 1974. According to the National Park Service, this restoration project will focus on critical safety updates and the restoration of iconic historic features in order to open its doors once again to the Hot Springs community for commercial use.