Some restrooms, marinas to open in state parks Friday; other changes planned

State parks and forests will start to open some facilities, mainly a bathroom or two, in an eventual phase-in of all facilities.

Many state park facilities will remain closed to comply with Gov. Tom Wolf’s covid-19 restrictions.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is encouraging the public to visit parks as part of the governor’s plan to help residents get outdoors to maintain their physical and mental health, according to department Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn.

State parks and forests have been open during covid-19 stay-in-place orders, but facilities such as bathrooms have been closed. The public can still access DCNR trails, lakes, rivers, streams, forests, roads and parking areas statewide.

At least one restroom in “day use” areas and in marinas at state parks and forests statewide will open to the public Friday.

All nine marinas in state parks will open Friday, as well or their typical designated opening date.

Park visitors will still have to practice social distancing.

With the exception of the opening of one restroom in each day use area and marina, other facilities in the region will remain closed until Wolf changes the pandemic status of the state’s Southwestern counties from the current red phase, the most restrictive designation.

Playgrounds, nature play areas, interpretive centers, amphitheaters and group camping facilities statewide will remain closed indefinitely. Swimming beaches are closed until June 6.

All programs, events and large gatherings at state parks and forests in counties that are designated red are canceled through June 15. Based on availability, organizers will have the option to reschedule later in the year. No new reservations for these activities are being taken.

More open in northern counties

It’s a different story, though, for state parks in northern counties that are under the governor’s yellow phase. Those state park and forest facilities, including offices and campgrounds, will open Friday, May 15. However, cabins in these areas won’t open until June 12 to provide staff time to prepare.

Campgrounds and cabins in all other state parks will remain closed.

In counties designated yellow, any events with more than 25 people will be canceled. If the event is under 25 people and outdoors, it will be allowed, however any indoor events will be canceled.

Consistent with the governor’s guidelines for reopening, facilities such as pavilions will only be available for groups of fewer than 25 and will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Picnic tables will be spread out to avoid crowds. Campsites and cabins should only be used by members living in the same household.

People who live in areas still under stay-at-home orders should not travel long distances for outdoor recreation and instead should look for opportunities close to home.

For more information on the status of any state park or forest, visit DCNR’s website.