MD Beaches Close, Some State Parks Shut Down Due To Coronavirus

MARYLAND — In accordance with Gov. Larry Hogan's order, all Maryland State Park beaches are closed, as are the Ocean City beach and boardwalk. Maryland State Parks announced the closure Saturday to help slow the spread of the new coronavirus.

“Following Governor Larry Hogan’s emergency actions to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic, all Maryland State Park beaches are now closed,” state park officials tweeted Saturday.

All playgrounds at state parks were closed effective March 19, and Assateague (except its boat launch), Sandy Point (except its boat launch), Newtowne Neck and Swallow Falls parks are closed. The state parks system previously announced the cancellation of the 18th Century Market Fair at Fort Frederick State Park scheduled for April 23–26, and New Germany State Park's EGGstreme Easter Egg Hunt scheduled for April 11 has been canceled. The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park is closed until further notice.

Marylanders seem to be enjoying the fresh air during the new coronavirus pandemic. State parks officials tweeted that the Patapsco Avalon area was full Sunday and "no more people may enter." An hour or so later, the park reopened for additional visitors.

Maryland State Parks encouraged guests to "pack extra soap or hand sanitizer" and to consider the health of others when outdoors and visiting parks.

"Parks are for individuals and immediate families now. Do not engage in other social gathering in parks. Limit your group to fewer than 10 people, and maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from other visitors," the department stated on its website. "If you are sick or have been sick over the past two weeks, please stay home to recuperate. Avoid popular areas where people may congregate, and avoid larger groups in general. If the parking lot is full when attempting to visit a park, leave and either visit a different approved location or return home and visit at another time when the park is not busy."

Maryland State Parks shared what staff are doing to help ensure residents can continue to safely enjoy its parks during the new coronavirus pandemic:

• Implementing additional cleaning procedures, according to federal guidelines, such as more stringent and frequent cleaning of restrooms.
• Postponing and canceling programs and events, to help keep visitors safe.
• Temporarily closed to the public all areas where people may congregate, including all visitor centers, all beaches, busy trails, all administrative buildings, all concessions, some viewing areas, most fishing piers, all shelters, all playgrounds, as well as all nature/interpretive centers we manage.
• Monitoring the situation. As conditions change, so may policies on park visitation and overnight stays. The department will keep the public informed of any changes.

The following is a summary of state park closures:

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