Orchard Park, N.Y. (WBEN) - As I walked toward a group of energetic walkers at Chestnut Ridge Park Sunday, one man exclaimed in jest, "Back it up!"
'Chris' was of course making reference to 'social distancing' as he entered the expansive park with his family and friends. We established a comfortable distance and talked about the need to get out of the house, get some fresh air, and try to put Coronavirus life out of mind.
"We're here trying to get some fresh air, get out of the house, in a socially responsible way", one woman told me as she kept her distance from the microphone. She warned me she had traveled from New York City, one of the 'hot beds' of Coronavirus cases across the country.
As I navigated through the park it was clear there was an effort on the part of visitors to keep a comfortable distance from one group to the next. With dogs on leashes and strollers in tow, hundreds used the acreage of Erie County's largest park to spread out and enjoy some outdoor space.
If there's one good thing about the Coronavirus quarantine happening now it's that the weather is breaking and it's at least giving pent-up and frustrated people the ability to get outside and practice social distancing in an open-air environment.