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true

State Parks Seeing High Turnout As Weather Warms Despite Social Distancing Guidelines

By Emma Atkinson

Posted April 3, 2020

A sign at an entrance to Fort Ben State Park in Indianapolis, Indiana.

(Mingusboodle/Wikimedia Commons)

Southern Indiana will see some warmer spring weather this weekend, and state officials say that means more people will be getting outdoors and spending time in Indiana state parks.

But the Indiana Department of Natural Resources warns that, although outside activity is allowed and even encouraged during the governor’s stay-at-home order, park-goers should still practice social distancing.

"We have seen, on occasion, larger groups still gathering, and right now people should be very conscious of maintaining space between each other," said DNR spokesman Marty Benson via email. "It is doable – we have lots of trails and room to spread out – and it is very important for all of us."

READ MORE: Can I Go For A Walk? Here's What A 'Stay-At-Home' Order Really Does

Benson says the DNR has no way of measuring state park attendance at this time because no entrances are staffed, but he does think turnout has increased.

He says restrooms will be open soon, but people should bring their own drinking water because drinking fountains will be turned off for health reasons.

Holcomb's order effectively closes all playgrounds. Some cities, like Bloomington, have closed public spaces like basketball courts to discourage large gatherings. 

"We know that it is hard for parents to resist playgrounds with their kids, but those are closed, and it is important to redirect kids to other fun things to do like scavenger hunts, an “I Spy” game or watching for wildlife on a hike or walk," Benson says.

Currently, hiking, biking, fishing, boating, birding, hunting, camping, geocaching and other "self-directed legal activities" are permitted at DNR properties. Advance notice is required for those wishing to camp. Entrance fees for all properties have been waived temporarily.

For the latest news and resources about COVID-19, bookmark our Coronavirus In Indiana page here.

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