[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Page 10008]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK

  Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, in honor of the National Park Service's 
100th birthday year, I want to recognize Hot Springs National Park in 
Hot Springs, AR. Hot Springs is a world famous tourist destination and 
it is not hard to see why. Whether it is to take advantage of the many 
recreational activities like hiking or boating or to bathe in the hot, 
therapeutic waters found in the area, guests have traveled from across 
the country and around the world to visit Hot Springs. In an effort to 
preserve its unique hot springs, Hot Springs first became a protected 
area in 1832 when Congress declared the area a reservation. It was 
officially designated as a national park in 1921.
  In the years after it became a reservation, Hot Springs experienced 
extensive economic growth and majestic bathhouses replaced the 
rudimentary wooden structures surrounding the hot water springs. The 
remaining bathhouse row structures in Hot Springs National Park are now 
part of a National Historic Landmark District that sees thousands of 
visitors each year.
  But Hot Springs has more than just unique natural features. Over the 
last century, they have hosted Major League Baseball spring training. 
They are also home to Oaklawn horse racing, and the notorious gangster 
Al Capone is even rumored to have spent time in town. Finally, former 
President Bill Clinton graduated from Hot Springs High School.
  Hot Springs National Park is a true Arkansas treasure, and the 
surrounding town makes it that much better. This park has a storied 
history, but its best days are ahead of it. The hot springs are still 
flowing, the bathhouses are still open, and the scenery remains 
breathtaking. In honor of the National Park Service's 100th birthday 
year, I encourage you to go out and find your park.

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