Enjoying Our National Parks in the Time of COVID-19

BY JENNIFER C. SCHÜNEMANN

Concord is well known for its rich history and stunning natural beauty. Residents and visitors alike deeply appreciate having access to national parks which showcase these features. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the parks are working hard to make visitors feel welcome – while doing all they can to help stop the spread of the virus. Here, we present some updates from two of our most popular destinations.

MINUTE MAN NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

Welcome to one of Concord’s most popular destinations! If you are visiting Minute Man National Historical Park this summer, the park has modified its operations during the Covid-19 pandemic. The park grounds and trails are open for your enjoyment – stroll the grounds, have a picnic with friends or family, or stop to learn the history presented on plaques and signage throughout the park. Three comfort stations are now available during the day at North Bridge, Merriam’s Corner, and Hartwell Tavern. Please be aware, the park has converted all bathrooms to be family style - allowing for one person or family at a time. Soon, you will likely see park rangers staffing an outside information desk with the plan to eventually open park visitor centers as state guidelines permit. Park ranger programs are not being offered as we went to press on July 1st, but rangers are still posting cool things via the park’s social media.

Here are some suggestions if you are visiting the park:

• Walk over the Concord River on the North Bridge, site of “the shot heard ‘round the world,” featuring the famous Minute Man statue sculpted by Daniel Chester French.

• Walk, bike, or run the Battle Road Trail. This 5.5 mile (8.9km) historic trail follows the footsteps of British soldiers and colonial Minute Men through the battlefield and the heart of the park. Today, you’ll pass many historic farms, witness structures, and serene woods. Visit the website to take the Cell Phone Tour. www.nps.gov/mima/cell-phone-audio-tour.htm

• Dogs are welcome, but please pick up after them and keep them leashed, and do not leave them in your vehicle.

Please follow the park website (nps.gov/mima) and social media (@MinuteManNPS) for updates and information.

WALDEN POND – SWIMMING, BOATING, AND HIKING

A visit to Walden Pond State Reservation will bring you back in time to the mid-1800s, where you can experience the connection with nature that inspired Henry David Thoreau’s “Walden.” Bring the family and enjoy a day of swimming, walking the trail that loops around the famous pond, or boating out on the water. You can also visit the replica of Thoreau’s single-room cabin where he took inspiration for his work (visits inside are not available during the COVID-19 pandemic, but you can see it from the outside).

Picnic areas and the Walden Pond Visitors Center are closed as we went to press, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The gift shop IS open, with limited capacity for your safety.

To promote social distancing and reduce close contact of trail users at the state park during the COVID-19 public health emergency, trail heads throughout the reservation will be clearly marked with signage indicating a one-way loop.

Summer is a busy time, so it’s important to plan ahead. A state mandate limits the number of people allowed on the property at any one time to 1,000 and is strictly enforced. COVID-19 guidelines may further limit capacity. It’s a good idea to check before heading to the Park by calling 978-369-3254 or by following their Twitter account @waldenpondstate.

Life guards are on duty Memorial Day to Labor Day. There is a daily parking fee of $8 for Massachusetts license plates, $30 for all other plates. To protect the grounds and water quality for future generations, the state only allows registered service animals. For more information, please visit www.mass.gov/locations/waldenpond-state-reservation.

When visiting the Parks or the Reservation, please continue to follow CDC guidance and Massachusetts state guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Maintain a safe distance between yourself and others, and wear a face covering when you cannot. Please wash your hands frequently - with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick.

On April 19th, 1775, it took the Minutemen coming together to accomplish their mighty feat. Today, we ask you do your part to help protect fellow visitors and park resources as you enjoy the history and nature that make Concord such a wonderful place to visit.