We are celebrating National Park Week during the week of April 18-26, 2020. While not all parks are currently open, there are still ways that you can celebrate this week.
Learn about the Berks County Parks
You've probably not taken the time to visit all the parks we have here in Berks County. I know I haven't. Perhaps you found one that is close to your home or one that you visited and fell in love with. There's a lot of history in our parks, and you can learn about them and the different amenities they offer by visiting their website: https://www.co.berks.pa.us/Dept/Parks/Pages/default.aspx
Visit a Local Park
While you still need to maintain social distancing, getting outside to exercise is still currently accepted as a necessary reason to leave your house. So pack a lunch and have a picnic, or just go and walk one of the many trails we have in Berks County. Please make sure that you are following the protocols for social distancing in parks and trails:
- Do not use parks or trails if you are exhibiting any symptoms.
- Be prepared for limited or no access to restrooms and water fountains.
- Follow the CDC's guidelines for personal hygiene before visiting the parks or trails.
- Share the trail and warn other trail users of your presence as you pass, such as a bell on your bike.
- Make certain you are following the CDC's minimum recommended social distancing by maintaining a distance of at least 6' between yourself and others.
Virtually Visit Parks
Even if you don't want to leave your home, you can still celebrate by visiting some parks virtually. Here are a few you could visit:
- Arches National Park in Utah
- Badlands National Park in South Dakota
- Denali National Park in Alaska
- Everglades National Park in Florida
- Great Smoky Mountain National Park in Tennessee
- Olympic National Park in Washington
- Shenandoah National Park in Virginia
Other Ways to Celebrate
- National Ranger Day gets the festivities started on April 18. Online Junior Ranger can be found when virtually visiting many National Parks like Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park or Klondike Goldrush National Historical Park.
- Print out our Nature Scavenger Hunt and take it with you on a walk, or even just in your own backyard. Click here to get yours.
