WASHINGTON – As we prepare to celebrate National Park Week later this month, L.L.Bean announced its continued support of the National Park Foundation (NPF) with a three-year, $3 million premier sponsorship of NPF’s Parks of the Future initiative. Together, L.L.Bean and NPF will harness the power of technology and innovation to help the National Park Service plan for the needs of parks and park visitors in the future, while remaining focused on protecting the stunning natural and cultural landscapes.
“At L.L.Bean, our purpose is to inspire and enable people to experience the restorative power of being outside,” said Shawn Gorman, Executive Chairman of L.L.Bean and great-grandson of Leon Leonwood Bean. “Our purpose extends beyond our products to include stewardship of our natural resources. By investing in the National Park Foundation and specifically, the Parks of the Future initiative, we can ensure the natural resources we enjoy today are available to us tomorrow.”
L.L.Bean previously partnered with NPF on Find Your Park/Encuentra Tu Parque, which inspired people of all backgrounds and abilities, including outdoor enthusiasts and novices, to discover and share their own unique connections to America’s national parks. Their expanded sponsorship will build on their efforts to help young people and families more easily access and experience the restorative power of nature.
“National parks are extraordinarily popular and the increasing needs of both parks and park visitors call for innovative and new approaches,” said National Park Foundation President and CEO Will Shafroth. “Thanks to partners like L.L.Bean, the National Park Foundation is helping the National Park Service prepare for these future needs, modernizing the visitor experience and campgrounds, expanding the ways people engage with parks, and encouraging people to explore the diversity of national parks across the country and to connect with the wonder parks inspire.”
Not only is L.L.Bean known for its legendary customer service and high-quality gear and apparel that has inspired and enabled people to explore the outdoors, it also has a long history of supporting America’s public lands. In addition to their partnership with NPF, L.L.Bean has provided annual support to the Island Explorer propane bus system in Acadia National Park for many years. In 2019, the company announced a multi-year partnership with the Trust for Public Land to improve green spaces in order to provide greater access to the outdoors.
About L.L.Bean
L.L.Bean, Inc. is a leading multichannel merchant of quality outdoor gear and apparel. Founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean, the company began as a one-room operation selling a single product, the Maine Hunting Shoe. Still family owned, Shawn Gorman, great grandson of Leon Leonwood Bean, was named Chairman of the Board of Directors in 2013. While its business has grown over the years, L.L.Bean continues to uphold the values of its founder, including his dedication to quality, customer service and a love of the outdoors. In 2021, L.L.Bean donated $6.2 million to outdoor and community-enriching organizations focused on increasing access to and inclusivity in the outdoors. L.L.Bean operates 56 stores in 19 states across the United States, along with 24 stores in Japan and eight stores in Canada in partnership with Jaytex Group. The 220,000-sq. ft. L.L.Bean retail store campus in Freeport, ME, is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and welcomes more than 3 million visitors every year. L.L.Bean can be found worldwide at www.llbean.com, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.
About the National Park Foundation
The National Park Foundation works to protect wildlife and park lands, preserve history and culture, educate and engage youth, and connect people everywhere to the wonder of parks. We do it in collaboration with the National Park Service, the park partner community, and with the generous support of donors, without whom our work would not be possible. Learn more at nationalparks.org.