State parks in county opened to locals

Trails and beaches open, parking lots closed

All of the California State Parks in Mendocino County moved to a “soft closure” last Friday, meaning locals could walk on the trails and beaches, but the parking lots and restrooms remain closed.

Loren Rex, superintendent of the state parks in Mendocino County, said Thursday that all 17 of the California State Parks properties in the county opened parts of their facilities for locals to walk, hike and bicycle on.

“But people are asked not to bring coolers, umbrellas and other items,” said Rex, explaining that the limited opening of the parks is meant to allow locals to recreate in parks they live near, not to encourage gatherings such as parties and large picnics.

The kiosks at the parks are not open and no fees will be collected. As for when the parking lots might be opening, Rex said more facilities could be opening later this month.

When asked how crowded the parks were last weekend, Rex said they were not overrun, especially since it was not heavily advertised that the facilities were open. Also, the colder and wet weather helped keep the numbers of visitors more manageable.

Attracting visitors from outside the county is still a concern, and Rex said beaches in Sonoma County are being closed from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. as a way to discourage tourists from using the beaches while still allowing nearby residents to take morning and evening walks at the local beaches.

In Mendocino County, the state parks are open from 6 a.m. until a half an hour after sunset.