Continuity In Coronavirus

Press release from the Wright County Government:

November 23, 2020

2020 has been a year that we will never forget. Every time you turn around something is changing and not always for the good. Battling the COVID-19 pandemic is one battle that we will all like to move past. The ever-evolving situation, not knowing what is coming next, or when the end will come, it has taken its toll. Wright County Parks & Recreation has had and will continue to have the privilege of providing one constant truth, the parks and trails are open and are here to provide some normalcy for you.

The most recent executive order from Governor Walz was a hard pill for us all, but it is our reality at this moment in time. Luckily, just as in March when the pandemic first started, parks and trails are place that you are encouraged to visit. Yes, winter is upon us and the weather won’t be as nice as the spring and summer, but there are is still beauty in the winter and in the cold. There is also opportunity. Opportunity to try new things, experience places within the county you have never experienced and possibly find a new passion in life.

In addition to trails and open spaces, we are still providing program opportunities. We have Social Distancing Santa Pictures coming up on December 5, which you must register in advance for through the Monticello Community Center, and a full slate of winter programs starting in January. The Nature Center at Robert Ney Regional Park is still set to open for ski and snowshoe rentals beginning in January as well. Visit our website for more information on any of programs and to find out current trail conditions throughout the winter..

Lastly, as you get outside during this time, remember to respect those that will come to the parks after you. Take out what you bring in, if you see something that shouldn’t be happening in the park let us know or call the sheriff’s department (763-682-7600) and come prepared for limited services as we have shutdown restroom facilities and turned off the water throughout the park system for the winter. We encourage you to keep the words of Rachel Carson in mind as you decide how to connect with family, friends, and the natural world around us. “There is something infinitely healing in repeated refrains of nature-the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” We will see the dawn again and spring will come, this pandemic will be over and hopefully you have found some good during this time by “Exploring the Opportunities” with Wright County Parks and Recreation.

This press release was produced by the Wright County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.