County officials reopen more parks as restrictions ease

NORRISTOWN » As coronavirus restrictions ease, Montgomery County officials on Monday reopened Lorimer Park in Abington and Lower Perkiomen Valley Park in Upper Providence, completing a phased reopening plan for county parks begun earlier this month.

“We have been doing a phased reopening of our county parks during the yellow phase and it’s been going well,” said county Commissioners’ Chairwoman Dr. Valerie Arkoosh, referring to the implementation of a parks’ reopening schedule relying on guidance suggested by the governor’s color-coded reopening plan.

Lorimer Park is a 230acre public park that is connected to Pennypack Park in Philadelphia. All outdoor areas reopened on Monday as did the park office and ranger station and one restroom will be open. The number of picnic tables will be reduced and separated to increase social distancing and the enclosed pavilion and water fountains will not be available.

Lower Perkiomen Valley Park includes 107 acres in the southernmost portion of Upper Providence, situated along the Perkiomen Creek, which serves as a trail head for those seeking access to the Perkiomen and Schuylkill River trails. All outdoor areas reopened on Monday and the park office will be open Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by appointment and one restroom will be open. All indoor areas, playgrounds, basketball courts, pavilion areas and water fountains will remain closed.

“I want to emphasize that park users must comply with all physical distancing markers at each park,” Arkoosh said.

“While you don’t have to have a mask or face covering on while you’re enjoying the park with just your household contacts, we are asking you to have a mask or face covering with you so that you can quickly cover your nose and mouth if you find you are near others, people that are not part of your household contacts,” Arkoosh added. “Taking these very important steps will allow us to keep our parks open and safe for anyone who would like to use them.”

Officials began reopening the county’s park system on June 10. At that time, Norristown Farm Park reopened. On June 15, officials reopened Lock 60 at the Schuylkill Canal

Park, Green Lane Park, Upper Schuylkill Valley Park and Central Perkiomen Valley Park.

In addition to following guidance from Gov. Tom Wolf’s reopening plan, officials relied on information from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society.

Officials said they are limiting opening to certain areas of each park and will be providing signage and extra contracted cleaning services to support the implementation of the guidance suggested by health experts.

Park users can obtain additional information about reopening rules and about which facilities are open at each park by visiting www. montcopa.org/parks

MEDIANEWS GROUP FILE PHOTO People walk along a path at Green Lane Park in Montgomery County.