Coronavirus: Don't Overcrowd Parks, Maricopa County Says

MARICOPA COUNTY, AZ — The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation department is asking park goers to avoid congested trailheads and crowded parks. The department's website made the request amid fears over the spread of the new coronavirus.

"If the area in the park or the trailhead you are visiting is overly crowded or congested, please find another area in the park to visit so you are practicing safe social-distancing," the department said.

The county's parks are experiencing higher-than-normal volume due to the closure of entertainment and retail facilities in the area. The department asked residents to expect delays and be patient.

While parks and trails are open, the nature centers are closed. Parks department officials also closed group and youth campgrounds and canceled all park programs, events, special use permits, group ramada reservation and more.

All fees for cancellations due to the coronavirus will be waived and returned, or may be used in the future.

See the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation department's website for more.

The department released these tips on keeping safe and practicing social distancing while in parks or on trails:

• Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to heading to trails — wash hands, carry hand sanitizer, do not use trails if you have symptoms, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, etc.
• Observe at all times CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of six feet from other people. Practice it and know what it looks like. Keep it as you walk, bike or hike.
• Warn other trail users of your presence and as you pass to allow proper distance and step off trails to allow others to pass, keeping minimum recommended distances at all times. Signal your presence with your voice, bell or horn.
• Note that trail and park users may find public restrooms closed — be prepared before you leave and time outings so that you are not dependent on public restrooms.
• Bring water or drinks — public drinking fountains may be disabled and should not be used, even if operable.
• Bring a suitable trash bag. Leave no trash, take everything out to protect park workers

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