8 Actions You Can Take To #KeepYourParksOpen

Photo credit: Smiley N Pool / Dallas Morning News Staff Photographer

As we shelter in place to protect public health, we are fortunate to still be able to visit the nature close to home we have worked so hard to protect. Indeed, we are seeing unprecedented numbers of people out on the trails.

We are so happy to see more of our community getting outside but we need to #HikeSafe to #KeepYourParksOpen.

Let’s all do our part to keep the preserves and parks safe for parks staff, yourself, your family, and your community. The ability to go out into nature during this time is dependent on our ability to keep physical distance from each other. If people are not safe, parks cannot stay open.

8 Things You Can Do to Keep Our Parks Open

1. Stay at home if you or someone in your household is sick. Enjoy this breathing exercise with local scenic views created by the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority.

2. Enjoy nature nearby in your neighborhood. Sit under a tree and read, write, listen to music, or draw.

3. Crowded parking lots mean crowded trails. Choose non-peak times or less frequented parks and trails.

4. Make space for others to enjoy open space by limiting your time on the trail.

5. On walks, always stay 6 feet away from people you do not live with. Slow down and yield to others to maintain a safe distance, ideally staying on the trail to avoid sensitive plants.

6. Most restrooms and facilities are closed; plan ahead before leaving home.

7. Leave no trace but your footprints. Take only photos.

8. Spread the word on social media with these tips, a favorite photo, and #KeepYourParksOpen #LoveYourParks6FeetApart #GreenFoothills