PLAINS, Ga. (WALB) - In a time when many national parks and monuments across the country are shuttered due to the ongoing government shutdown, a rare and heartwarming exception shines brightly in Plains.

The Carter Gardens remains open, offering a sanctuary for visitors and a sense of relief for the local community.

While iconic sites like the New Orleans Jazz Historical National Park are closed, the Carter Gardens welcomes all, providing a much-needed bright spot amidst widespread closures and uncertainty.

For the residents of Plains, the continued operation of the Carter Gardens is more than just a convenience; it’s a source of profound emotional relief.

Philip Kurland, owner of the Plains Trading Post, shared his sentiments, expressing the heartbreak felt when the gardens were previously inaccessible.

“It’s very emotional for the people, it’s very emotional for us when it wasn’t open,” Kurland explained. “We were heartbroken that the people came all the way here and couldn’t pay their respects, but it makes us happy in our hearts that there are so many people coming here to pay their respects.”

Visitors eager to experience the tranquility and historical significance of the Carter Gardens have a limited window to do so. The park will remain open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., from now until Oct. 16.

This extended opening is made possible through the dedicated efforts and existing funds of the Friends of Jimmy Carter, ensuring that the legacy of the Carters continues to be accessible to the public.

As the Carter Gardens offers a temporary respite, the broader issue of the government shutdown continues.

The next vote to end the shutdown is not anticipated until next Tuesday, following the failure of both parties’ bills on Thursday.

Until then, the Carter Gardens stands as a testament to community spirit and a testament to the enduring legacy it protects.

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