More PA State Park Facilities Set To Reopen

PA State Park trail
Photo credit PA State Parks

HARRISBURG (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - More Pennsylvania State Parks and forest facilities are set to reopen.

PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced Tuesday a phased reopening of more facilities.

Counties already in the yellow phase as well as counties moving into the yellow phase on May 22 will see park and forest offices opening on May 22.

Tent and RV camping also opens on May 22.

Cabins, cottages, lodges and yurts in those areas will open on June 12.

The counties that first entered the yellow phase had facilities open on May 15. Cabins, cottages, lodges and yurts will also open on June 12 in those areas.

“With appropriate protocols in place to ensure safety and as staffing permits, this department continues working to reopen our state parks and forests so that Pennsylvanians can realize all benefits associated with being outdoors,” Dunn said. “Some of our parks saw record attendance in April, and with warming weather, DCNR anticipates even more people seeking outdoors opportunities to connect with nature and exercise.”

Additional cleaning protocols are in places at state parks and facilities all across Pennsylvania.

Trails, lakes, rivers, streams, forests, roads and parking areas are accessible all across PA parks.

“All picnic pavilions, playgrounds, nature play areas, interpretive centers, amphitheaters, and group camping facilities statewide will remain closed indefinitely. Beach and pool facilities will be closed through at least June 5,” DCNR said in a release.

In counties in the yellow phase, outdoor events will 25 people or less will be allowed to occur with indoor events canceled.

Visitors can help keep state parks and forest lands safe by following these practices:

  • Avoid crowded parking lots and trailheads
  • Bring a bag and either carry out your trash or dispose of it properly
  • Clean up after pets
  • Avoid activities that put you at greater risk of injury, so you don’t require a trip to the emergency room

To help avoid exposure to COVID-19 and protect others, and still enjoy the outdoors:

  • Don’t hike or recreate in groups – go with those under the same roof, and adhere to social distancing (stay 6 feet apart)
  • Wear a mask
  • Take hand sanitizer with you and use it regularly
  • Avoid touching your face, eyes, and nose
  • Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with a tissue or flexed elbow
  • If you are sick, stay home

Pennsylvania has 121 state parks, and 20 forest districts.

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