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BUFFALO, N.Y., Aug. 1, 2002 - Delaware North Parks Services announced today that it has purchased the assets and business of Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa, a world-class resort with a hotel, conference center, golf course, marina and spa, located in Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia.  DNPS purchased the property from its former owner, Harrison Resort Limited, assuming ownership and operational responsibility for the property at midnight on July 31, 2002.  Bill Murney, senior vice president of CB Richard Ellis, represented DNPS.      DNPS President Bruce W. Fears cited the resort's distinctive setting and history in an announcement to the company's associates.  "DNPS is fortunate to operate in some of the most unique and beautiful locations in the world, and Harrison Hot Springs is no exception.  While we are continually looking for opportunities to grow our business, we are most interested in those that fit our profile.  Its attributes, location and rich past make it a natural for us."      Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa traces its roots to the California Gold Rush of 1848 and the eventual northward migration of prospectors who inadvertently discovered what has become the resort's hallmark: natural hot mineral springs.  In 1886, the St. Alice Hotel and Bath House began luring families up the Harrison River with promises of the springs' therapeutic powers.  Fire destroyed the operation in 1920, but the property was rebuilt.  In 1926, it opened under a new name: Harrison Hot Springs Resort.      DNPS Vice President Cindy L. Bower, a certified hotel administrator (CHA) who is responsible for the company's western operations, including lodging and other visitor services at Yosemite, Sequoia and Grand Canyon national parks, Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds, Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite and The Grand Hotel at Grand Canyon, announced the appointment of Donald M. Ponniah, CHA, as the resort's new general manager.  "Donald's proven ability to uphold the integrity of our properties, his fair and honest treatment of associates, and his commitment to local communities made him a clear choice for such an important position."      Approximately 400 associates staff the 140-acre property that features 323 guest rooms and cottages, and 24,000 square feet of meeting space, including an exhibit hall.  As well, there are a variety of dining experiences, ranging from Miss Margaret's, a coffee and pastry bar accustomed to preparing picnics and boxed lunches for guests, to the Copper Room, a 1940s-style dinner club that boasts a dance floor, the sounds of big band music and Fraser Valley cuisine.  Recreational activities include hiking, biking, golf, tennis, boating, fishing and other water sports.  However, the distinguishing feature of the resort is its natural hot mineral springs, which supply five swimming pools and the new Healing Springs Spa, a full-service spa.      "We are fortunate to have such wonderful guest services in place and will benefit from the knowledge and dedication of the staff.  In our meetings with associates today, we stressed the hope that they will choose to stay and build their careers with Delaware North Parks Services and take advantage of the company's many opportunities.  When we find ourselves with a need to add staff, we will encourage members of Harrison Hot Springs and its surrounding communities to contact us," Ponniah said, adding that DNPS plans on continuing operation of the golf course and swimming pool that serve residents of the town.      Delaware North Parks Services, a subsidiary of Buffalo, N.Y.-based Delaware North Companies, Inc., is a leading hospitality provider with significant experience in hotel, retail, food service, recreation and transportation operations.  The company's portfolio includes some of the most unique properties in North America, including Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Yosemite, Sequoia and Grand Canyon national parks, Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds, Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, The Grand Hotel at Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls State Park, Jones Beach State Park, Deer Creek Resort and Conference Center, Jetty Park, Roaring River Inn and Conference Center, and the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia and Denver.  The company recently was awarded the retail contract at Yellowstone National Park, with operations commencing in January 2003.      Delaware North Companies, Inc., is one of the world's leading hospitality and food service providers. Its family of companies includes Sportsystems, Delaware North Parks Services, CA One Services, Sportservice, Delaware North Companies International, the FleetCenter, and the newly acquired Delta Queen Steamboat Company. Delaware North is one of the largest privately held companies in the United States with more than $1.6 billion in annual revenue and 25,000 associates serving millions of customers in the United States, Canada and the Pacific Rim.