During the COVID-19 pandemic, Arkansans have largely been sheltering in their homes in order to limit the spread of the virus. However, state parks have been a respite for many of those individuals who want to exercise or escape the confines of their homes.
This usage of parks has been welcomed by state officials, including Arkansas Department of Health Dr. Nathaniel Smith. He told reporters on Monday, March 30 that state parks can provide health benefits but that Arkansans must be aware of the possibilities of transmission around others. “State parks…are great places to do something during this time. Outside, there are plenty of opportunities to be spread apart. There’s good ventilation and UV radiation from the sun that inactivates viruses. But again, be mindful,” he said.
According to Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Stacy Hurst, her department has taken measures to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the state parks. “We have taken pretty extensive measures to reduce the risk for our visitors and our staff,” she said.
Some of these measures include closing four lodges at DeGray Lake Resort State Park, Mount Magazine State Park, Petit Jean State Park, and Queen Wilhelmina State Park from Monday, March 23 through Friday, April 17. The department has also closed playgrounds, bathhouses, museums and exhibits at the state parks. All programming – including events and workshops – have been canceled until further notice.
While some camping is allowed, it is limited to self-contained recreational vehicles. Cabins are also available for rental. According to Hurst, parks staff have moved to a contact-less check-in system that reduces the opportunities for virus transmission.
On March 26, Smith issued a directive, in consultation with Gov. Asa Hutchinson, to prohibit gatherings of 10 or more individuals in confined indoor or outdoor spaces. These gatherings include community, civic, public, leisure, commercial, or sporting events, concerts, conferences, conventions, fundraisers, parades, fairs, and festivals. According to the directive, this rule does not apply to gatherings of 10 or more individuals in “unenclosed, outdoor spaces such as parks, trails, athletic fields and courts, parking lots, golf courses and driving ranges where social distancing of at least six feet can be easily achieved.”
Park visitors have reportedly violated the ADH directive by ignoring social distancing practices. AMP reporters have seen photographic evidence of more than 10 individuals gathering at Petit Jean State Park.
“We want to continue to provide this valuable resource to the public, but we need everyone to take very seriously the responsibility they have to help flatten the curve and reduce the spread of the virus,” Hurst said. “The number one thing people need to do is practice social distancing. Even though you’re outside, you need to avoid congregating in groups. We hope that will not continue to happen.”
Park superintendents, rangers and interpreters will be patrolling the state parks to ensure that social distancing practices are following.
“Outside sports activities are fine as long as you can maintain at least a six-foot distance,” Smith said.
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Image courtesy of Arkansas State Parks