How to Practice Social Distancing at Parks

Need some fresh air and open space? Porter County Parks properties are still open! Visit Brincka Cross Gardens, Brookdale Park, or Sunset Hill Farm to get some fresh air and exercise while maintaining your social distance. Here are some tips on utilizing our parks safely during this time.

Keep your distance. While walking or running on our trails, remember to maintain the CDC recommended distance of 6 feet from other patrons. Alert fellow hikers of your presence so they can maintain a safe distance from you as you pass by. However, don’t let these requirements stop you from greeting fellow outdoorspeople with a warm smile and a wave!

Bring your own water. As an extra precaution, try to avoid using public water fountains. Instead, grab your favorite reusable water bottle and bring it along for your hike.

Wash your hands. Don’t forget to wash up for at least 20 seconds before, during, and after your visit to the parks! If at all possible, avoid touching surfaces while in parks and public spaces.

Stay home if you are sick. If you’re feeling any symptoms of illness, please stay home to avoid putting others at risk. When you’re better, we will be happy to see you back in our parks!

Don’t make any stops on your way to or from a park. Under the new “stay at home” orders, the best way to visit parks is to make sure you drive directly from your house to a park and back! Stopping at places along the way can increase your risk of exposure. 

With gyms closed and everyone cooped up in their homes, exercise and fresh air are now more important than ever to our mental and physical health. Studies show that spending just 20 minutes in a park or greenspace can drastically improve your mood and outlook, and exercising while in these places can even further magnify those effects. So put on your walking shoes and join us in our wonderful parks today – just remember to do so safely!