PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy ordered state parks to close because of the coronavirus pandemic, but Pennsylvania's state parks remain open for now.
However, if you decide to visit, you'll face some primitive conditions.
Cindy Adams Dunn, secretary of Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, which maintains the parks, says it's safe to walk around while observing social distance guidelines. However, she says, anything that people touch is something that they can't keep safe.
"If it's a trail, it's open," Dunn said. "If it's a building or anything people touch, it's closed. Bathrooms are closed. Picnic areas are closed. Pavilions are closed. Campgrounds are closed. Cabins are closed, our offices and visitors' centers."
Fishing is still permitted in lakes in the state parks, she said. Boat ramps are open, but marinas at state parks are closed.
"We're not fully staffed, and we're seeing a lot of use," Dunn said. "So, use leave-no-trace principles. Take your trash back. Also, a good idea to bring whatever water you need. Bring a snack. Bring your hand sanitizer. And then plan on taking everything back with you."
Dunn said if a state park is more than 15 minutes from your home or apartment, you should probably pass on a visit for now.
Instead, she suggested exploring local hiking trails or taking a walk in your neighborhood.
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CORRECTION: This article has been corrected to show that boat ramps are open, not closed, as initially reported.
