Parks remain open, 'self discretion' encouraged amid outbreak

ELYRIA — Despite having to make some changes to comply with government orders and maintain a sanitized environment, Lorain County Metro Parks is proving popular with those trying to social distance but still enjoy some outdoor time. Some of the system's 20-plus parks have seen unusually high traffic since the coronavirus outbreak began, Metro Parks public information officer Mariah Deitz said, to the point that some visitors have complained about struggling with proper social distancing on the trails. Deitz urged parkgoers to use "self discretion" when considering which parks to visit, noting that while many of the system's locations are crowded, others see significantly less traffic. "All of our really popular parks are really popular for good reason," Deitz said. "If you are looking for a park that is not as full of people I would recommend looking for those parks that are off the beaten path." Leaving home for outdoor activity is considered essential under Gov. Mike DeWine's "stay-at-home" order, and is allowed. However, public access playgrounds were ordered closed by the governor to curb the spread of COVID-19, which could linger on playground equipment. The Metro Parks complied and roped off the playgrounds and additionally closed all the indoor facilities and restrooms. Deitz said the parks were informed by Lorain County Public Health that staff members would have to clean the restrooms at such high frequency to keep them disinfected that it would be impossible for park staff to keep up adequately. The parks are down to essential staff and many are working reduced hours, she said. Closing restrooms is a "Catch 22," Deitz acknowledged, because frequent hand-washing is important to staying healthy, but ultimately the decision came down to staff not being able to keep up. "If we can't sanitize them, they're not safe to use,'' she said. The playgrounds and restrooms are closed at least until April 7, when the stay at home order is set to expire, unless extended by Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton. Cascade Park was unusually busy, although not overly crowded, as temperatures hovered in the low 60s Thursday afternoon. Wendy Murphy, of Elyria, brought her daughter Amy, 12, to an empty area of the park to practice baton twirling. Amy is a member of The Deputies drum and baton corps. She was working on her twirling moves for the parade season and hoping she would still get the chance to perform on Memorial Day this year. "That's my favorite parade of all because my friends get to see me twirl," she said. Wendy Murphy said this is really the first time the two of them have been out since schools were closed. Outdoor Lorain County Metro Parks are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the outbreak. All programs, events and room reservations are canceled through April 30. Program and facility rental fees will be refunded. Contact Dylan Reynolds at (440) 329-7123 or dreynolds@chroniclet.com. Follow him on Twitter @drey1357.