By: Ciara Schroeder
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – With COVID-19 closing businesses and forcing people to work from home, many people have to find new ways to enjoy their free time. People are starting to take advantage of the outdoors by going to popular State Parks in Arkansas.
A photo was taken at Petit Jean Mountain State Park at the Cedar Falls Trail where there was a large congregation of visitors who were not practicing social distancing.
This became aware to Governor Asa Hutchinson which became an issue on whether to close down State Parks.
“Out-of-state visitors that are coming to Arkansas as a place to come, a place where they can enjoy our wonderful outdoors as we always have asked them to come here National and State Parks but it has become a problem,” said Gov. Hutchinson.
Popular “hot spots” have been aware of the issue and started closing trails and all campgrounds with the exception of Lake Ouachita State Park which is completely closed after three visitors tested positive for COVID-19. Most of the State Parks that have closed off trails and public areas are on the west side of Arkansas which leaves State Parks on the east side of the Arkansas River still open to the public.
Tennessee announced the closure of all State Parks which could lead to more people entering those parks in east Arkansas.
“With the parks that are still open, it is still the visitors responsibility to practice safe social distancing. Signs have been posted at every State Park to remind visitors the safety precautions they should be taking,” said Meg Matthews, Tourism Communications Director.