The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Parks see increase in attendance amid coronavirus outbreak
With nearly all indoor activities put on hold due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, land conservancy officials are starting to see an increase in park utilization and outdoor activity.
Andy McDowell, vice president of Western Field Operations at the Western Reserve Land Conservancy, said the stay-at-home order and closure of most routine activity spaces have brought many people and their families back out to nature.
McDowell’s work involves all land conservancy of 12 counties, many west of Cuyahoga County, like Lorain County.
“Whether it’s parks or conservancy work with parks, I think
“For the past few decades, society has transitioned more and more indoors, with electronics and online communications.”
— Andy McDowell
it’s going to see more and more people involved in supporting parks and open space in general,” he said.
McDowell and his coworkers have noticed an increase in traffic and a high volume of cars in park parking lots in Northeast Ohio over the last week or so.
This is promising, he said, especially since this season is often slower for park involvement.
“For the past few decades, society has transitioned more and more indoors, with electronics and online communications,” McDowell said. “They’ve kind of lost the critical and beneficial need to be in the outdoors.”
For those seeking outdoor park activities, McDowell said the Land Conservancy has an interactive map online that allows locals to find parks near them.
He said he also advises residents to look for parks through their county’s metro park websites and to double check to make sure the full park still is operating.
Additionally, since many metro park systems are working with a skeleton crew, hours of operation may have changed and should be checked.
McDowell also added that families should plan to use the restroom before traveling to a park, since many are closed due to short staff.
As for parks that McDowell would recommend, he said the Hollstein Reservation is a good start for families that want to take a short hike together.
The reservation, which added 13 acres of preserved land next to the Mercy Health Amherst HealthPlex, 47160 Hollstein Drive in Amherst, has a half-mile walking path that takes visitors to Beaver Creek.
He said this hike is particularly good for families with smaller children.
“It’s something that’s a mile total,” McDowell said. “It’s a relatively easy hike.”
Another recommended park is Royal Oaks, 38637 Parsons Road in Grafton, which is a newer addition and adjacent to Indian Hollow.
McDowell said the land was a former golf course until 10 years ago, and the Land Conservancy recently acquired the property for the Lorain County Metro Parks.
Western Reserve has worked with acquiring former golf courses in the past, and is a prime piece of land for a diversity of different climates and walking trails, he said.
Royal Oaks is large, spanning over 100 acres, with plenty of wide-open space and forested area, perfect for social distancing, McDowell said.
As for the benefits of being outside, he said it’s particularly important for parents who are struggling to juggle at-home schooling and working to find some peace during the workweek.
“It provides such a good mental health and stress relief, to get away and rebond as a family,” McDowell said.