To limit the spread of COVID-19, Oregon Governor Kate Brown’s March 23rd executive order closed all state parks, as well as playgrounds and sports courts. Lane County Parks have remained open.
Parks Manager Brett Henry says with increased usage on recent sunny days, they’ve heard of some unsafe behavior. “All of our day use areas are open," he says, "and we’re just going to continue to monitor and see if people are following social distancing guidelines, and then we would make a decision on whether or not to close those day use areas.”
Henry says it’s not appropriate to meet others with the intent to hike together. He urges people to visit parks early in the morning, or on weekdays if possible, and be sure to maintain at least six feet between people. Henry adds dog owners are advised to keep their pets on leashes at all times, even in parks with off-leash areas, such as Mt. Pisgah.
