There’s another Dark Sky Park in the National Park System to add to your must-visit list: Curecanti National Recreation Area in Colorado.
That certification by the International Dark-Sky Association recognizes the exceptional quality of Curecanti’s night skies and the opportunities to enhance visitor experiences through astronomy-based interpretive programming. According to the National Park Service, Curecanti was the first National Recreation Area to receive this certification.
Deanna Greco, Curecanti Superintendent, said a deep appreciation of dark skies in the community. “The National Park Service is invested in their preservation and interpretation as well as protection.”
Curecanti was supported by many partners, including Gunnison, Lake City, Gunnison Valley Observatory, and the Black Canyon Astronomical Society.
“This designation highlights how special the Gunnison Valley’s dark skies are and how important preservation is,” Dr. M. Suzanne Taylor, President of the Gunnison Valley Observatory Board of Directors.
In support of dark sky conservation at Curecanti, park rangers present astronomy programs at the Elk Creek campground and the Gunnison Valley Observatory. Children are encouraged to participate in the junior ranger night explorer program from home or obtain a booklet at the Elk Creek Visitor Center.
Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park, a neighboring park, has also been designated a dark-sky park.
International Dark-Sky Places Program was established in 2001. It is a voluntary, non-regulatory program that encourages communities, parks, and protected areas worldwide to protect and preserve dark sites by responsible lighting policies and education. Each International Dark Sky Place is subject to a rigorous application, demonstrating strong community support for dark skies certification. In 2007, Utah’s Natural Bridges National Monument was the first National Park Service unit that received this certification. Curecanti is now an International Dark Sky Place, joining many other National Park Service units.