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Social
distancing
in parks, too
Park rangers are watching. Under the Stay Home, Stay Safe rules, the trails and grounds of Connecticut State Parks and Forests are open for solitary outdoor enjoyment. If you plan on visiting a park, it should be for solitary recreation, not group activities. Please plan ahead as many amenities and indoor facilities are closed, and visitors are encouraged to follow these guidelines to enhance social distancing:
Because the rules weren’t followed, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has already closed the Kent Falls State Park.
Take a lesson from Rhode Island — their beaches and state parks were closed because park visitors did not practice social distancing.
The DEEP set some rules: If you’re not feeling well, stay home! Signs and symptoms of coronavirus include fever, cough and shortness of breath; rather than traveling to some of the most popular spots, for example, Hammonasset Beach State Park, Sleeping Giant State Park, or Bluff Point State Park, try a park you may not have visited before or one close to your home. Because most park and forest facilities do not have open restrooms, visitors are encouraged to plan a trip to a nearby park for a short, local visit; if you arrive at a park and crowds are forming, choose a different park or trail, or return another day or time; observe the CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of 6 feet from other people, whether you’re walking, biking, or hiking; warn other trail users of your presence and as you pass to allow proper distance and step off trails to allow others to pass, keeping minimum recommended distances at all times. Signal your presence with your voice, bell, or horn; follow the CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to heading to the park. Wash your hands, carry hand sanitizer, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoid surfaces that are touched often, such as doorknobs, handrails, and equipment; bring water or drinks. Public drinking fountains may be disabled and should not be used, even if operable; bring a suitable trash bag. Leave no trash, take everything out to protect park workers.
All state parks can be accessed by Connecticut residents free of charge. DEEP will be monitoring visitor capacity at the state’s most popular parks and may reduce the parking threshold to further limit the number of visitors and help to prevent overcrowding. Residents can receive a sizeable fine for parking off park property and walking in.
Restrooms are closed, as are indoor spaces. The opening of camping season at Connecticut State Parks and Forests will be postponed until Memorial Day weekend in May, unless a further delay is required. All campground reservations that were made for stays prior to Memorial Day weekend will automatically be cancelled and refunds will be processed.
Classes: In-person environmental education programming, including Conservation Education and Firearms Safety and Aquatic Resource Education classes, have been temporarily halted, but on-line education opportunities will continue.
West Thompson Lake
N. GROSVENORDALE — The following COVID-19 measures continue at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, West Thompson Lake:
The West Thompson Lake Disc Golf Course is closed to the public until further notice.
Boat Ramp and other parking areas are closed to the public until further notice.
The West Thompson Lake Office is closed to the public until further notice. Access is limited to mission essential employees, shipping companies, contractors and essential service personnel.
All USACE-sponsored events, on-site interpretive programming and volunteer activities are cancelled until further notice.
No new special event or activity permits will be issued until further notice; those permits that have already been issued will be considered for revocation based upon latest Public Health guidelines.
Visitors must adhere to the following guidelines: Stay home if feeling sick; avoid activities where individuals will come in close contact with one another and/or gathering in groups of 10 or more; maintain physical distance of at least 6 feet; practice healthy personal hygiene; avoid touching surfaces frequently touched by others. Wash thoroughly or sanitize your hands if you do.
Additional closures may occur at West Thompson Lake based on Federal, State or local health and safety directives. Updates will be posted on:
https://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/West-Thompson-Lake/
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