City National Bank Donates $100,000 to Build Yosemite Valley Welcome Center

The spacious and versatile new building will welcome millions of visitors annually.

City National Bank announced today that it has committed $100,000 toward the creation of the new Yosemite Valley Welcome Center in Yosemite National Park, a landmark development for Yosemite Conservancy. Once finished — likely in early 2023 — the new facility will serve as a resource to an estimated 4.5 million travelers each year. 

“City National is proud to support Yosemite Conservancy’s mission,” said Scott Witter, executive vice president, head of Personal & Business Banking at City National Bank and a council member of Yosemite Conservancy. “City National has a long history of supporting our clients, colleagues and communities, wherever they are. The California wilderness holds a special place in my heart, and I’m proud of City National’s support of this national treasure.”

The new facility will replace the old visitor center, which was built in 1966. It will occupy a 3,000-square-foot space in the south wing of the historic Yosemite Village Store building that previously housed the Yosemite Village Sport Shop and will be a short stroll from accessible parking. The Conservancy is also set to build an outdoor plaza, with new restrooms, paths and signs. 

This donation follows a nearly 20-year history of City National supporting the Conservancy, Yosemite’s primary philanthropic partner, which raises funds to maintain trails, restore habitat, protect wildlife and inspire the next generation of park stewards. City National also made a $100,000 donation in 2018 to the Bridalveil Fall Restoration Project, another Conservancy project, which is currently underway.

“The new Welcome Center is going to dramatically change the visitor experience in Yosemite Valley,” said Yosemite Conservancy Board Member Bob Bennitt. “It’ll be a hub of information and energy, with trip-planning resources, rangers and retail and a place to regroup after a full day in the park. It’s going to be a wonderful resource for visitors, and I’m excited that City National is contributing to this fantastic project. I am so impressed with the continued support that City National provides, not only to Yosemite Conservancy, but to many other important and worthy organizations, and I admire the bank’s ability to put words into action.”

Click here for more information on the Welcome Center.

Click here to see an artistic rendering of the Welcome Center by RHAA Landscape Architects.