Some state park and forest facilities plan to reopen this week

All nine marinas in state parks will be open to the public May 8.

• Ed Arke
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(Harrisburg) — The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has announced a phased reopening of state park and forest facilities.

The schedule includes having at least one restroom in day use areas and in marinas at state parks and forests statewide open to the public on May 8.  Additional cleaning protocols are in place and users are reminded to continue practice social distancing.

All nine marinas in state parks will be open to the public May 8, or on their typical designated opening date.  State park and forest facilities including offices, campgrounds and the Nature Inn at Bald Eagle in the counties in the yellow phase will be open to the public on May 15.  The three public golf courses located in Caledonia and Evansburg state parks and Michaux State Forest have reopened.  They are operated by private concessions.

Cabins in yellow phase counties will not open until June 12, to allow returning staff to thoroughly clean and prepare them for use.  Campgrounds and cabins in all other state parks will remain closed for the time being.

All playgrounds, nature play areas, interpretive centers, amphitheaters, and group camping facilities statewide will remain closed indefinitely.  Swimming beaches statewide will be closed until June 6.  Programs, events and large gatherings at state parks and forests in counties remaining in the red phase are cancelled through June 15.

Picnic tables in state parks will be dispersed to allow room to spread out and avoid crowds.  campsites and cabins should only be used by members living in the same household as part of COVID-19 mitigation efforts.

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.