Indiana State Parks See More People, Officials Encourage Social Distancing While Using Trails

More people are getting outside and making use of Indiana State Parks since the weather is nicer, and most everything else is closed due to the coronavirus. State leaders want people to take precautions.

State parks are getting a bit more crowded, which is normally a good thing. But in the age of coronavirus when people should keep a distance from one another, it can be concerning.

Ginger Murphy with Indiana State Parks said there are some ways to remain safe.

“Practice social distancing, think about going where people aren’t, as much as you can, and then keep your group size small,” Murphy says.

State parks remain open, but with some restrictions. Campgrounds are closed and so are most restrooms. Trails are off limits to mountain biking and equestrian use.

But there’s still a lot to do at the parks and Murphy says getting outside can help keep people’s mind off the coronavirus crisis.

“Nature doesn’t care about COVID-19. The flowers are going to bloom, the grass is going to grow, the trees are going to come out," Murphy says. "It’s important to remember that this isn’t forever and getting outside is a good way to remind ourselves of that.”

People can still go boating, fishing, hiking, and biking on the paved trails at most Indiana State Parks.

Contact Annacaroline at acaruso@wvpe.org or follow her on Twitter at @AnnacarolineC16

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