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Social distancing in the great outdoors Social distancing

Visiting parks and exercising outside requires extra precautions in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic

BY CHARLOTTE BEARD

The COVID-19 crisis has had a great impact on how essential businesses and public resources operate due to stay-at-home orders and social distancing. But the impact has not been short of directly impacting residences with job losses or a reduction of household income, and less freedom due to the stay-at-home orders. During this time while people search for ways to remain physically active, the city of Olivette has announced that all its parks are open (with some limitations) and provides ways to remain safe while utilizing its parks.

In addition to its Dog Park and Walking/Biking Path, Olivette has six parks (visit https:// www.olivetteparksandrec.com/park-and-facilities-brochure.html for details). Though these amenities are open, all pavilions, restrooms, drinking fountains, and playgrounds are closed while the stay-at-home order is in effect.

Following guidance from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), Olivette advises park visitors to remain at least six-feet apart upon encountering other visitors. If possible, they also suggest visiting the park alone or with another house- hold member. If an area is crowded to the point of limiting safety, the suggestion is to visit another park or return home.

The NRPA has stated that they recognize that social distanc- ing may have a great impact on mental health and that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes mental health as a top concern associated with the COVID-19 crisis. Because the NRPA knows that parks provide a connec- tion to the outdoors as well as opportunities for physical ac- tivity, they have provided extensive ways for parks that have remained open to be utilized in a safe manner. They advise that these measures not replace any local, state, or national ordinances and guidelines.

In addition to the guidance provided above with using the Olivette parks, NRPA gives these recommendations: • Refrain from using parks or trails if you are exhibiting symptoms. • Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to and during use of parks or trails. • Prepare for limited access to public restrooms or water fountains. • While on trails, warn other users of your presence and as you pass, and step aside to let others pass. • Follow CDC guidance on the recommended size of so- cial gatherings including outdoor picnicking, pick-up sports and other group hangouts, and always maintain proper physical distance. • Always observe CDC’s minimum recommended physical distancing of 6 feet from other individuals. If this is not possible, you should find an alternate location or depart that space. • Consult your local and state ordinances and guidelines for the most up to date recommendations on park and trail use.

An alternative to visiting a park is utilizing the internet for physical workouts available on YouTube. For those who are avid walkers, Leslie Sansone is known for her at home walking DVDs and has her own YouTube channel—Walk at Home by Leslie Sansone (https://www.youtube.com/user/walkathome- media). Some of the workouts incorporate strength training as well.

Videos via YouTube also offer opportunities to explore other physical activity (whether beginner or advanced) such as Pi- lates, strength training, cardio, or HIIT (high-intensity interval training). Some channels to visit for these various workouts are: jessicasmithtv, HASfit, and Fit Father Project - Fitness For Busy Fathers. If there is a lack of hand weights, other ideas can be considered such as filling empty bottles with water or holding heavy books.

With schools being temporarily closed, children are missing their physical education classes. However, YouTube has exer- cise videos for children as well. Visit the Little Sports channel for colorful animated routines to help keep children engaged in physical activity.

For more parks and recreation information from NRPA visit https://www.nrpa.org/coronavirus.