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State Parks Promote ‘Healthy Nature Break’

A closed sign is pictured Friday morning at a playground at Long Point State Park in the town of Ellery. The state has closed all playground within state park grounds. P-J photo by Eric Tichy

Efforts to combat the coronavirus and promote social distancing has forced the New York State Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to close its playgrounds, athletic courts and sporting fields on state park grounds.

“Gov. Cuomo is urging all New Yorkers to stay home as much as possible,” the state Parks Department said on its website. “If you do plan on visiting, it should be for a healthy nature break. For the safety of all visitors and to stop the spread of COVID-19, all state park playgrounds, athletic courts and sporting fields are closed.”

At Long Point State Park in the town of Ellery, yellow caution tape has been placed on two playgrounds with signs that read: “Playground Closed to Stop the Spread of COVID-19.”

The state did say its parks, trails and grounds of historic sites remain open for open-air, outdoor recreation. In a news release, the state said getting outdoors to walk, jog, hike, ride a bicycle, fish or visit a park or state lands is a healthy way to stay active, spend time with immediate household family members, and reduce stress and anxiety when practicing social distancing. While indoor spaces and restrooms at state parks and DEC’s public facilities may be closed out of an abundance of caution to prevent community spread of COVID-19, many parks, grounds, forests, and trails are open during daylight hours, seven days a week.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation and Parks Department also launched a new hashtag — #RecreateLocal — to encourage New Yorkers to get outside and discover open spaces and parks close to home.

“New York State is home to some of the most spectacular public lands and parks in the world. In uncertain times, these special places can serve as an oasis from stress, fear, and anxiety,” said Basil Seggos, state DEC commissioner said. “We encourage people to get outside — close to home — and follow these basic guidelines to help ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones.”

State parks, lands, forests and facilities are monitored by Park Police, Forest Rangers, Environmental Conservation Police Officers and other staff. They will incorporate physical distancing to limit the potential spread of COVID-19.

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