Maryland Park Service Sets Record For Visitors In 2020

MARYLAND — As many destinations shut down during the coronavirus pandemic, Maryland's state parks welcomed visitors. The increased interest in the state's park system has resulted in a new record for Maryland as far as state park attendance, and nearly three months remain in 2020.

So far 17.1 million visitors have visited Maryland parks, according to Gov. Larry Hogan, who said the previous state record was set in 2019. Then, in a 12-month period, 14.9 million visitors were reported.

“As our state continues to face the COVID-19 pandemic, we have consistently reminded the people of Maryland that outside activity is much safer than inside activity,” Hogan said. “Marylanders have heeded that advice by visiting our state parks in record numbers this year to exercise safely, get some fresh air, and spend time with family."

Attendance peaked at state parks in July, according to officials, who reported 3.4 million visitors in Maryland this year during peak season, versus 2.5 million during the same time in 2019.

This year, parks in Maryland have had to close 260 times, which is a record. The previous record was 121 closures, state officials said.

On a 10-year average, parks have closed due to reaching capacity 79 times a year in Maryland.

Over the weekend, the Avalon area of the Patapsco Valley State Park was closed Saturday upon reaching capacity, and so was Calvert Cliffs.

Increasing interest in parks has been a trend in recent years that authorities say has accelerated in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Day use and overnight camping have both seen upticks, according to state officials.

"We have seen tremendous interest in outdoor recreation and are encouraged to see so many Marylanders and visitors continuing to enjoy the outdoors responsibly,” Maryland Park Service Superintendent Nita Settina said. “Seeing new people experiencing the wonders and benefits of their state parks let us know that we are indeed an essential service to the people of Maryland.”

Maryland runs 75 state parks.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Park Service created plans at the beginning of the pandemic guided by federal and state health experts and have continued to adapt them as new guidance is issued.

“During these difficult times many individuals and families are turning to outdoor recreation to help them get through,” Department of Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio said in a statement. “Maryland features a variety of world-class outdoor experiences and diverse landscapes, including our amazing state park system which can be safely enjoyed year-round.”