Friday, March 27, 2020

UPDATED Ohio's coronavirus-impacted state park system is safe. Or not.

The closure of Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Watercraft’s campgrounds, cabins, golf courses, restrooms, shower houses, playgrounds, and state park marinas leaves in question the health and safety of visitors to what does remain open.

The temporary terminations came following Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s Stay At Home Order, which kicked into gear the cessation of activities.

And what is closed by the Division of Parks is considerable, too.

Data provided by the National Resources Department’s Office of Communications says the number of state parks with campgrounds totals 60, including those the agency operates on its own, by a concessionaire, or where camping fees are not charged.

The state likewise has 18 state parks with cabins, with as few as one cabin in a couple of cases. Along with the cabins, the agency has several locations with overnight shelters, the Natural Resources Department says.

As for the number of state parks with golf courses that figure is five, with the one at Shawnee State Park having been permanently closed last year, the Natural Resources Department says.

Among those unshuttered venues range from the agency’s boat ramps to dog parks to hiking trails.


Yet it is these places – and which the DeWine Administration encourages people to visit as emotional control valves and for exercise – that have some people concerned. And that anxiousness swirls around two areas: Safety and health.

On the first score the Natural Resources Department offers reassurances the still-opened venues are fine.

Natural Resource officers continue to patrol our state parks as they always have. We have not instituted any furloughs, although we are asking staff to work remotely if at all possible for their protection and the protection of visitors,” said Sarah Wickham, chief of the Department’s Communications Office.

We remain committed to the protection of state property and safety of our hikers and boaters.”

But not everyone agrees. Not even those who work for the Natural Resources Department. They note how the Parks Division’s staff repeatedly has endured cuts, and that the lack of now-furloughed maintenance workers could encourage illegal activity or injurious behavior.

They (the parks) are dangerous,” said one Natural Resources employee who asked not to be identified and who emphasized the word “are.”

This source also questioned the Department’s statement as to how the parks are being patrolled, at least to the level they were prior to DeWine’s Stay At Home order.

Other current and former Natural Resources personnel agree, noting should a person run into trouble at a park – particularly a remote one – getting assistance when a single ranger is sitting in an office could prove problematic.

That person could be in really serious trouble, especially where cell phone coverage is difficult. It’s just another element that most people haven’t likely thought about,” the second source said.

Regarding the health of visitors at what sites do remain open, that question is no less vital. It is one the Natural Resources Department even admits to, though likely without realizing it.

Because we have closed lodges, cabins, campgrounds, restrooms, marina buildings and other enclosed facilities to prevent the spread of COVID 19, we have less need for staff on site,” Wickham said.

Thus, with comfort stations closed and the lack of staff to look after the parks system’s still-open physical assets, visitors looking to relieve themselves must find alternatives quickly.

In this respect, Wickham said “Visitors should plan their trips accordingly.”

We are putting up as much signage as possible, but it’s important that visitors use common sense to protect themselves,” Wickham said.

And the state parks’ restroom closure does also mirror what some county park districts are also doing – such as the Geauga Park District. Still other county park districts – such as Lake Metroparks – are keeping their restrooms available for the public. At least for now.

Also, while the Natural Resources Department’s 15 unsupervised dog parks are not being maintained, someone has to clear the collection of disposed dog-waste bags and pick up what pet owners did not address.

Consequently, unmaintained recreation areas and those locations with shuttered restrooms may become breeding grounds for other forms of communicable diseases, critics allege.

I would hate to be the one cleaning the restrooms but if one were available and I’d have to go, I’d go,” said the second source. “Otherwise I’d have to find a bush in the park.”

By Jeffrey L. Frischkorn


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