A visitor walks on a path at Lower-Huron Metropark.
By Scott Bolthouse | The Huron Hub
ScottBolthouse@HuronHub.com
Published April 22, 2020
The Huron-Clinton Metroparks will continue to remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the park system will be monitoring park attendance.
Metroparks police and park staff are performing parking lot counts three times a day to ensure that total parking spaces within each park do not exceed 60% of their full capacity, according to the Metroparks.
When overcrowding occurs, the parks may use temporary closures to certain areas within the parks or entire parks.
“Depending on the time of the day that capacity is reached, the park may reopen as visitors leave. Those visitors already in the park when a closure starts are welcome to enjoy the rest of their visit,” Metroparks said.
- Closing all interpretative center buildings (including nature and farm centers), restrooms, food service, playgrounds, golf and disc golf courses, volleyball courts and offices.
- Closing boat launches to motor boating.
- Cancelling all Metroparks public programming through June 5 to coincide with school closures.
- Offering free admission on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during the Stay Home, Stay Safe executive orders.
- Starting summer hours so Metroparks are open longer each day, giving residents more options for their visit.
- Having Metroparks police officers patrolling regularly and reminding visitors about safe social distancing practices as needed.
- Providing Metroparks team members working toll booths during admission days with protective gloves, hand sanitizer and encouraging them to wear face masks. For vehicles, with an annual pass (which can be purchased online), there is no direct contact with the toll booth attendant and visitor. For those purchasing daily passes on the days needed, the interaction is minimal and brief.
- Implementing a requirement for all toll booth attendants and police officers to wear a face mask and encouraging all other staff to wear one as well. Staff are asked to have a face mask in their possession to use if they come within six feet of co-workers or visitors.
“We know it can be inconvenient for everyone involved, but we assure you our only goal is keeping you safe and being able to keep the Metroparks open,” Metroparks said.
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