The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way Michiganders will spend their summer.
Lansing-area parks are open, but they're operating with fewer activities than usual. Some activities and events have been cancelled and facilities restricted due to the need for social distancing, but many more are reopening after the state's stay-home order was lifted.
But certain summer activities are safer than others, according to public health educator and registered nurse Nancy Hayward, who believes it’s important to stay safe while participating outdoors.
Here's a list of what's open, closed and safe.
What park activities are open?
Canoeing and kayaking
Canoeing and kayaking are allowed at several locations in the Lansing area. They are safe to engage in for social distancing, according to Hayward.
Canoes and kayaks are easy to sanitize and easy to rent out during the pandemic, according to Brian Collins, park manager at Hawk Island Park, while peddle boats are not.
Reservations to rent kayaks at Burchfield Park and Hawk Island Park are only available for weekends and holidays starting June 13, according to Ingham County Parks. Canoes are only available to rent at Burchfield Park, the county website shows.
Pools
Indoor pools are safe to use as long as proper safety protocols are followed.
“There is no evidence COVID-19 is spread through water,” said Hayward. “With proper maintenance and disinfection, COVID-19 can’t live. Pools that are maintained should be safe. Communities waiting to open pools are likely putting together measures.”
Indoor pools that tentatively may reopen include:
- Alfreda Schmidt Community Center in Lansing (no opening date set)
- East Lansing Hannah Community Center (scheduled to open on July 13)
Many outdoor pools and beaches are listed as closed, but that could change.
As of June 8, all swimming pools are allowed to reopen, according to a recent executive order from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. It's just a matter of when these and other facilities announce any changes.
Keep an eye on the status of these locations:
- All swimming beaches at Ingham County Parks
- Splash pad at Hawk Island
- Hunter Park Pool
- Moores Park Pool
- The East Lansing Family Aquatic Center
Walking, hiking, biking, fishing and golfing
Walking, hiking, biking and fishing can be done at many parks throughout Ingham County. These are also safe activities to engage in.
“Biking and hiking are singular activities,” Hayward said. “You can do those activities by yourself and maintain social distancing. You’re not sitting in the same boat.”
For walking, hiking and biking, check out these locations or others closer to home:
- Hawk Island Park
- Burchfield Park
- Lansing River Trail
- Small Dog Park in Meridian Township
- Soldan Dog Park
“We ask that people yield to bikers, be polite and use good trail etiquette,” said Melissa Buzzard, trails and parks millage program coordinator at Ingham County Parks.
There are many locations in the area for golfing, including Burchfield Park’s Disc Golf, which is scheduled to open on June 13.
Hayward believes that golfing is a safe activity to do solo.
“It’s one of the easiest sports where people can comply with social distancing and keep their space,” she added.
Summer concerts, events and camps
These Lansing events are scheduled:
- Concerts in the Park will start in July
- One city summer camp may occur now that the stay-home order is lifted
These East Lansing events are scheduled but will be reevaluated at a later date:
- Play in the Park
- Summer Concert Series
- Moonlight Film Festival
- Kids Camp (scheduled July 13)
Playgrounds
Social distancing still must be maintained, but some playgrounds have reopened.
Meridian Township opened its playgrounds on June 4. Here is the status of other playgrounds:
- Ingham County Parks closed their playgrounds until June 30.
- East Lansing officials closed their playgrounds until July 13.
- Lansing hasn't announced a date for reopening.
These dates will be reevaluated by officials.
Athletic fields and courts
Athletic fields and courts reopened in early May in Meridian Township, according to the township’s park commission.
Park officials stressed complying with health guidelines regarding social distancing in a letter posted to the township’s website.
Towner Road Park includes two athletic fields for lacrosse, football and soccer, according to the township’s official website.
The Beacon Fields in Ferris Park and on Lansing's south side are temporarily closed, according to the official Facebook page.
Picnicking
Picnicking is allowed.
Ingham County Parks reduced the number of tables under its picnic shelters from seven to two and then spaced them out throughout parks, according to Collins.
Keep an eye on any changes now that groups of 100 people are allowed to gather outdoors for gatherings and events.
Families can also go to different parks to eat together.
“Rotary Park is a great spot to eat,” said Brett Kaschinske, Lansing’s parks and recreation director.
Boating
Those with their own boats can use the Lake Lansing boat launch. The launch gate will remain open with limited staffing, according to Ingham County Parks.
Boating along the Grand River is also available from Grand River Park and Boat Launch.
What activities are closed, cancelled?
Other activities
These Lansing park activities are cancelled:
- 4th of July parade, evening concert and fireworks display at Riverfront Park
- Todd Martin Youth Leadership Tennis Program
These Ingham County Parks activities are cancelled:
- Burchfield Park Summer Day Camp
- Lake Lansing Band Shell Friday Night Concerts
- Lake Lansing inflatable rentals
- Lake Lansing Trikes at the Trike Track
- Game rentals (dunk tanks, moon walk and giant slides, etc.)
- Reserving large picnic shelters for parties is a no go
How to stay safe while enjoying parks
Avoid crowds
State parks have closed and reopened spaces because of large crowds.
“Avoid any place that have crowds or a large number of people,” Hayward said. “If you go, you need to be very careful and on alert. Keep a 6-foot distance. If you can’t, wear a mask.”
Hayward recommends researching parks and other outdoor areas before going.
“If you pack up for a day to go (to a park) and you see large crowds without masks, I’d turn around and go home,” she said.
The city of Lansing has seen “huge increases in traffic” at parks, according to Kaschinske, who said the area’s large number of parks will help with social distancing.
The city has 111 parks and 16 miles of river trail.
Pack supplies and take precautions
Wearing a face covering and bringing hand sanitizer along is a must on any outdoor trip, according to Hayward, who also recommends hand washing when possible.
“When going outside, wear a paper mask,” she said. “Put another in clean ziplock bag to protect it.”
Hayward also recommends parents be diligent with kids, making sure they avoid touching surfaces in public spaces and picking up random items.
Know before you go
Lansing parks and trails status
- Parks and the Lansing River Trail are available from dawn until dusk unless flooding becomes an issue
- Bathrooms are closed.
- Pavilions are closed.
East Lansing parks status
- Bathrooms are closed.
- Sports courts are closed.
- Pavilions are closed.
- Picnic shelters are closed.
Meridian Township parks status
- Monitor park openings due to recent flooding
- Playgrounds are not able to be disinfected regularly; wash hands
- Some restrooms are open; more to follow
- Pavilions are open
Ingham County Parks status
- Ingham County Parks have waived vehicle entrance fees until June 12.
- Bathrooms are currently closed and won’t reopen until June 13.
- Concession sales and gatehouse staffing are limited.
- Plastic shields and sanitizing measures are being implemented in administrative areas.
Peak periods at Ingham County Parks seem to be during week days, since so many people are out of work and out of school, according to Collins and Buzzard.
They recommend contacting Ingham County Parks to help determine the best time to go: Phone: 517-676-2233 and email: parks@ingham.org.
Contact LSJ reporter Kristan Obeng at KObeng@lsj.com or 517-267-1344. Follow her on Twitter @KrissyObeng.
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Going to the park this summer? Here’s what’s open, closed and safe in the Lansing area - Lansing State Journal
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