Want to Visit a Park? Be Smart! Take the #ParksPledge

Craving some fresh air during this time of physical distancing? Consider a quick and mindful visit to your local or state park for a healthy nature break.

New York has one of the nation’s largest systems of public lands, with 215 state parks and historic sites, millions of acres of forest preserves, and thousands of miles of multi-use trails. That’s a lot of green space for adventure, and for respite.

In 2019, NY state parks, historic sites, campgrounds, and trails saw a record breaking 77.1 million visits. That’s up 3 million visits, a 4% increase from 2018 numbers. More people are turning to New York's green spaces for recreation, enjoyment, and solace every year--and for good reason.

“Our parks, trails, and outdoors are critical lifeline right now,” says Nancy Dwyer, Friends of Moreau Lake State Park

Getting fresh air and connecting with nature helps nurture our physical and mental health. Studies show that time spent in nature significantly reduces stress and anxiety, lowers blood pressure, improves mood, energy, and sleep, and boosts the immune system.

Now, more than ever, we’re understanding just how important parks and trails are to our collective well-being. Anticipating this need, and in response to COVID-19, Governor Cuomo has waived entrance fees for all local, county and state parks.

Most state parks, trails, historic site grounds, and DEC lands, are currently open for outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, jogging, and biking. It is crucial during this time that all outdoor recreation be done safely and mindfully.

In order to keep our parks open and safe for everyone, Parks & Trails New York has launched the #ParksPledge campaign to raise awareness of proper park etiquette during this unprecedented situation. By taking the pledge, you are agreeing to:

• Avoid high traffic areas: if a park or trail is crowded, be ready to change plans. Also, steer clear of places people tend to congregate: parking lots, playgrounds, picnic areas, overlooks.
  • Share how you’re using your favorite trail to get to work, to connect with nature, or to take some time for reflection by using the hashtags #trailsforhealth and #parksforhealth and tagging us on Facebook @parksandtrailsny, on Twitter @PTNY, or on Instagram @parkstrailsny.

• Practice social distancing: stay 6 feet away from individuals outside of immediate household members.

• Stay local: recreate close to home and keep visits short.
  • Use Parks & Trails New York's online maps to find a park or trail close to home.
    • Trails
    • Parks

And, of course, if you’re not feeling well or have any COVID-19 symptoms, please STAY HOME If you do pledge to follow safe guidelines and plan to visit a close-by park, be prepared. All park events and programming have been cancelled and most indoor and recreational facilities--including bathrooms and playgrounds--have been closed. Keeping parks depends on people doing their part to follow proper social distancing guidelines.While at home, you can stay connected to the parks and trails community in a variety of ways:

• Take the #ParksPledge to help keep parks and trails safe and open for everyone! Share a picture of you following proper outdoors guidelines in your favorite outdoor spaces and use the #ParksPledge hashtag.
  • Don't forget to tag @parkstrailsny on Instagram and @parksandtrailsny on Facebook. To spread the word, tag five of your friends and challenge them to take the pledge to keep parks open.

• Check out Parks & Trails New York's recent publications, including our March E-News!
• Check out the State Parks blog.
• Follow your local Friends Group on social media and get active on conversation threads.
• Consider donating to Parks & Trails New York to help us continue to protect our valuable parks and trails for years to come