Parks / Open Space - Social Distancing Education
Below are some examples of social distancing education and graphics for parks and outdoor spaces from across the country. Still many discrepancies with guidelines from across the country (most cities have closed playgrounds, but some are still allow tennis, dog parks, benches, etc to be open). The key take away is the use of education and positive reinforcement of social distancing.
Latest Thoughts (Updated April 1st)
Innovative Thinking Needed to Keep Parks and Trails Open
Parks and trails need to stay open for everyone’s mental health. But increased innovation, along with public education and positive reinforcement, will be needed to handle the demands of increased usage. Public education is key. We’ve posted a handful of precedent outdoor social distancing education below. There’s a lot of inconsistencies nationally, but the key take-away is the use of education and positive reinforcement. The Five Rivers Park District in Dayton has an especially fun, educational You-Tube video.
For innovation, kudos to Forest Park and Tower Grove Park for closing roads to vehicles to open-up more space for pedestrians and bicyclists. Promoting “off-peak” usage will be important and “live” data on park and trail usage will help reinforce avoiding “peak” times. For limited entry parks, such as Castlewood State Park, parking reservations should be considered instead of outright closure.
On Tuesday, March 31st, the St. Louis Regional Chamber hosted a Zoom update from county/city executives about COVID-19. It was good to hear the awareness of education vs enforcement. Strict enforcement long-term doesn’t work. Even in the strict requirements of London’s stay-at-home policy, the London Times on April 1st, editorialized, “individuals and families should not have to feel either guilty or like a potential fugitive for walking in the fresh air.”
Keep the parks and trails open!
Download ‘Keeping Parks and Trails Open During COVID19’ by the i5Group (April 4, 2020)
The current COVID19 crisis is unprecedented. The impacts to our health and economy are devastating. The need to support our courageous health care workers, first responders, and others on the front lines battling the coronavirus is paramount. However, we must make good strategic decisions. Complete closure of our parks and trails is a strategic decision we should avoid. This short document is intended to provide support in keeping parks and trails open. While not comprehensive, it is intended to provide some resources and recommendations.
New YOrk City Parks
New York City Parks Instragram infographic/video that helps to explain how to measure 6’ of distance in parks.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-Ftv1nlH0W/
As of March 31st: “While solo exercise is okay, team sports (such as basketball, football, softball, and soccer) are not permitted in our parks at this time. Please maintain at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and others when outside and avoid congregating in groups.”
Austin Parks
Austin Parks created a series of infographics.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B96xC-vlk2B/
As of March 28th: “Park green space, trails, and golf course green space remain open with the six-feet social distancing recommendation in place. Restrooms and water fountains are also still open to the public. According to a PARD release, though restrooms are cleaned and sterilized multiple times a day, residents should exercise caution while using.”
Phoenix Parks
Phoenix Parks includes an infographic with Trail social distancing.
https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/parks-and-recreation/1082
As of March 30th: “All city parks will remain open normal posted hours for residents to enjoy green space, walking paths, dog parks, skate parks, and tennis and pickleball courts, while practicing the recommended safe social or physical distancing of six feet and not congregating in groups of more than 10 people. Additionally, the city's more than 200 miles of trails, located within 41,000-plus acres of preserve land and natural desert park areas, remain open normal hours. Access is being limited at several of the city's high-traffic trailheads. Restrooms will also remain open during park and preserve hours of operation.”
Five Rivers Metro Parks (Dayton)
Fun You-Tube video with education about social distancing on trails.
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy has promoted “good” examples of social distancing on their social media pages. They also have provided a FAQ for park usage.
CITY PARKS ALLIANCE
March 25th webinar with major park leaders including: Mitchell Silver, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, Jayne Miller, President & CEO of Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, and Phil Ginsburg, General Manager at San Francisco Recreation & Parks talking about the challenges of park operations during COVID19 and the importance of parks.