Bellingham encourages park visitors to distance themselves during coronavirus outbreak
With almost nothing to do and beautiful weather outside, many people around Bellingham are visiting local parks to stretch their legs and get some fresh air.
In order to keep parks and trails in Bellingham open and accessible, social distancing guidelines from the Whatcom County Health Department and Gov. Jay Inslee must be followed.
As part of the effort to limit the spread of COVID-19, several closures have taken place at local parks according to a press release Friday night from the Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department.
Playgrounds, sports courts, ball fields and fenced off areas for dogs have been closed. In addition, indoor facilities, the Arne Hanna Aquatic Center and stadiums are also closed. The number of available parking spaces has been reduced to increase social distancing and limit how many people can drive to parks, which has been effective so far according to the release.
Under Gov. Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, exercise is allowed, which raises many questions from those looking to raise their heart rate playing a sport on a public court.
“Sports courts (basketball, tennis, pickleball, etc.) are closed because there are many touch points on the court elements that could contribute to the spread of COVID-19,” the release stated. “Additionally, it is very difficult to maintain or enforce social distancing guidelines of staying six feet apart during more active/aggressive sport play.”
According to the release, “hanging out” at parks is greatly discouraged.
“What you should NOT be doing is picnicking, sunbathing, hanging in a hammock, playing basketball or hanging out,” the release said. “Come to the park, take a walk and get some fresh air, and go home.”
Each park has ambassadors patrolling the area on a daily basis reminding visitors of the guidelines.
Public restrooms remain open at all parks despite the outbreak. The release cites restroom availability as “imperative to public health.” Public restrooms remaining open allows visitors to wash their hands anytime they choose.
Additionally, those who are unsheltered rely on public restrooms for privacy to do their business and cleanse themselves. Eliminating these options and further limiting accessible bathrooms for the homeless “creates additional environmental and health hazards,” according to the release.
Social distancing is heavily encouraged on public trails. The Parks and Recreation staff have posted 75 signs on public trails as a reminder to maintain an appropriate distance from one another. Choosing less popular trails and visiting during abnormal times will limit your exposure to others. Dogs are allowed on trails with a leash.
People are encouraged to use park and trail guides as well as the park-finder app to locate trails closest to your residence. If public trails make you uncomfortable during this time of uncertainty, sidewalks and bike lanes in your neighborhood can become your new exercise routes.
Summer events and programs are currently canceled through May 31. Park facilities will not reopen until deemed safe by Gov. Inslee as well as state and local authorities. For more information about visiting local parks, visit www.cob.org/parks.
This story was originally published April 12, 2020 at 9:52 AM.