Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and National Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced that eight state parks in Bucks and Chester counties will be closed for 14 days, effective March 15, to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
This follows DCNR’s announcement of the closure of Montgomery County state parks, Ridley Creek in Delaware County, and the cancellation of state park and forest programs.
“As part of Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 mitigation efforts, all of the buildings at state parks in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties, including the park offices, restrooms and parking lots, will be closed, and all events and public educational programs are canceled,” Dunn said. “There will be no services, and we advise people not to visit state parks that are closed, however trails and roads that pass through parks and forestlands remain open, especially as some are transportation routes or are in neighborhoods that people access them from.”
Dunn added that state park rangers and the park manager will continue to work to ensure security and public safety.
The closures in Bucks and Chester counties include: Delaware Canal, Marsh Creek, Neshaminy, Nockamixon, Ralph Stover, Tyler, Washington Crossing and White Clay Creek state parks, and the Goat Hill Serpentine Barrens.
In state parks and forests that remain open, all public programs, events and trainings are canceled through April 30.
While travel in mitigation counties isn’t restricted, the best advice to slow the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home. This is an evolving situation and every person should consider social distancing in their daily routines.
To help slow the spread of COVID-19 and still enjoy the outdoors:
– Adhere to the social spacing guide (minimum of 6 feet) between people and don’t recreate in groups
– Take hand sanitizer with you and use it regularly
– Avoid touching your face, eyes and nose
– Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with a tissue or flexed elbow
– If you are sick, stay home
Visit dcnr.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx for more information.
