Parks, historic sites close; trails open

As cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in Montgomery County, officials are ramping up efforts to mitigate the spread by closing public parks and historic sites.

But those closures don’t apply to trails that run through the parks, officials have noted.

The public cannot access facilities at the seven county parks — the Central Perkiomen Valley Park, Green Lane Park, Lock 60 at the Schuylkill Canal Park, Lorimer Park, Lower Perkiomen Valley Park, Norristown Farm Park, and the Upper Schuylkill Valley Park.

In addition, historic sites are shut down, including the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove, Pennypacker Mills, Peter Wentz Farmstead, Pottsgrove Manor, and Sunrise Mill, according to the county’s parks and trails website.

Montgomery County Commissioners Chairwoman Valerie Arkoosh cited concerns of congregation and large gatherings at area parks as a reason for the closures.

She said, however, it’s alright to traverse through the parks on trails.

“All permits have been revoked and the parks should be considered closed, but if the trail goes through the park, you can ride your bike or run or walk through but we do not want people congregating,” she said during a March 14 press conference.

“I want to remind everybody that our trail systems are open, so you’re welcome to get outside and enjoy our wonderful system here in the county with your family,” Arkoosh said.

Area residents can access the Chester Valley Trail, the Cross Country Trail, the Pennypack Trail, the Perkiomen Trail, the Schuylkill River Trail, and Wissahickon Trail, according to the county’s parks and trails website.

State parks

Parks are closed across the state, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced Tuesday. As of now, they are shut down for 14 days. But like the county, residents have access to several areas within state green spaces “for passive and dispersed recreation,” which includes trails, parking areas, roads, and lakes, according to the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Closures apply to offices and visitor centers, restrooms, campgrounds, cabins and all forms of overnight accommodations

“We encourage practicing social distancing while enjoying open spaces including avoiding groups and crowds, and visitors should use the bathroom before they leave home,” said Cindy