City of Missoula Urges Residents To Stay Safe On Open Space

Press release from the City of Missoula:

Posted on: April 2, 2020

Access to your parks, open space and trails is, and will be, threatened by our collective need to physically distance and control the spread of COVID-19. Let’s work together to ensure that these vital parks and open spaces remain open, accessible, welcoming and inclusive to all people. Share photos of you and your family playing in parks or open space while maintaining 6’ or more of physical distancing, using the #physicaldistancinginparks on social media. Everybody who shares a photo will be entered into a drawing for some fun Parks and Recreation swag!

Help keep parks, trails and conservation lands OPEN with these tips:

• Parks, trails and open space can remain open ONLY if residents use physical distancing and adhere to CDC health guidelines.
• Remain 6’ from others at ALL times: parking lot, entrances and exits, and on the trail.
• Reduce crowds: if the trailhead parking lot is busy, hike or bike somewhere else.
• Do your best to stay ON the trail. Walking or biking off-trail increases erosion and kills native vegetation.
• Uphill traffic has the right of way.
• Hike single-file. Family groups should step to the same side of the trail when others approach.
• If necessary, stop and wait for others to pass so that all can remain on the trail.
• Don’t be the cause of a people pile-up: keep moving! Don’t stop in the middle of the trail to socialize or check your phone. Step off the trail to do those things, but be mindful of the native vegetation.
• Leash dogs in parks and at open space trailheads, and pick up your pet’s waste.
• Warn other trail users of your presence and as you pass—signal your presence with your voice, bell or horn.
• Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to heading to parks and trails:
  • Wash hands, carry hand sanitizer. Park fixtures are not sanitized.
  • Do not visit parks and trails if you are sick.

This press release was produced by the City of Missoula. The views expressed here are the author’s own.