Chesco officials announce plan to reopen parks
WEST CHESTER » The Chester County Commissioners announced Wednesday that a gradual opening of all seven of the county’s parks will take place in the next two weeks.
“The continuation of essential services-only helps to protect the health and safety of Chester County’s 2,400 full and part-time employees, as well as anyone from the public,” said Chester County Commissioners’ Chairwoman Marian Moskowitz.
Black Rock Sanctuary will open May 6, Wolf’s Hollow will open May 6, Exton Park will open May 6, Hibernia Park will open May 12, Nottingham Park will open May 12, Springton Manor Farm will open May 12 and Warwick Park will open May 12.
All Chester County parks permits, pavilion rentals, volunteer programs and Ranger programs remain canceled for May and June. As they reopen, the parks will have limited amenity access. Parks officials also ask that, if the parking lots are full, please find another location for recreation where there
are less people
The decision to reopen Chester County’s seven parks follows the announcement by Gov. Tom Wolf to reopen limited outdoor recreational activities. While the three County-owned trails — Chester Valley Trail, Struble Trail and Schuylkill River Trail — have remained open during the pandemic, county officials have stressed the immense importance of maintaining social distancing and wearing masks, while on the trails.
Social distancing and wearing masks applies to anyone visiting a Chester
County’s parks once they reopen.
“The weather is improving, and visits to all of our parks are great for our physical and mental well being,” said County Commissioner Josh Maxwell. “But we cannot stress enough the need to continue adhering to the recommendations to stop the spread of the coronavirus — from keeping six feet apart and wearing masks, to the frequent use of hand sanitizer before, during and after visiting our parks and trails.”
The decision to reopen county parks will take some of the pressure off of the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance, where the nine miles of trails at the 318acre Myrick Conservation Center have been bustling with visitors because it never closed.
“I’m delighted the county has agreed to pen their trails,” said Jim Jordan, executive director of the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance. “From Day One we had the foresight to realize people will want to get outdoors during the pandemic, and we kept our doors open. Our visitation has increased 15 fold, and it’s just incredible.”
Though still open to visitors, all activities and programs at BRC have been cancelled through May 10. Jordan said summer camp is still being planned. “We are going to see how it goes, and take a week or two at a time, while adhering to Gov. Wolf’s decision and CDC guidelines,” Jordan said.