//Keeping a Safe Social Distance in Parks and on Trails During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Keeping a Safe Social Distance in Parks and on Trails During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Copyright National Recreation and Park Association. Original article posted to Open Space blog on March 16, 2020.

Please note: While the issue of closing parks and facilities related to COVID-19 is rapidly evolving, NRPA recommends park and recreation professionals adhere to all guidelines and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and your local public health officials for the most up-to-date information.

The growing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic hit many parts of the United States with full force the weekend of March 13-15, 2020. Following on the heels of canceling large special events, conferences, and sporting events, governors in several states declared states of emergency and many local school districts across the country closed their doors. Mayors took unilateral action to close public spaces and even ordered the closing of businesses, including bars, restaurants and other places of leisure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued updated guidance