The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has no plans to close state parks despite visitors continuing to violate social distancing orders during the coronavirus pandemic.
Ron Olson, DNR chief of parks and recreation, said discussions between the DNR and the governor’s office have not included talks about closing the parks completely. Public gathering spaces within the parks such as campgrounds, shelters, and lodging facilities are closed under the state’s stay-at-home order, which is due to expire May 15.
“Moving forward, there will be a strong emphasis on making sure people don’t go out and lose their better judgement while at the parks,” he said. “This can create a potential for the virus to spread. We don’t want the parks to become those types of spaces. We are working with other park systems about social distancing messaging during this pandemic.”
Recreation areas, trails, and other state-managed public lands remain open for use, but with previsions to decrease the risk of coronavirus spread.
Over the weekend, the DNR closed all parking lots at Grand Haven State Park due to a lack of social distancing as people gathered for an impromptu car show and refused to disperse when warned by law enforcement. Belle Isle State Park in Detroit was closed twice due to having too many cars on the island at one time. The park has a 3,000 vehicle limit.
Last month, Tippy Dam Recreation Area, located in the Upper Peninsula, closed as visitors continued to violate the state’s social distancing order and multiple citations were handed out at Sterling State Park, located in Monroe, to non-compliant visitors who refused to follow the social distancing order when advised by law enforcement. The citations totaled $500 each.
In an interview with The Detroit Free Press on Monday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer expressed strong concern about a lack of social distancing at Belle Isle State Park. She suggested that greater restrictions could be placed on access to state parks.
On Wednesday, Tiffany Brown, press secretary for Whitmer, told The Oakland Press that the governor is not expected to make any announcements about the state parks on Wednesday or Thursday.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Michiganders have been encouraged to take advantage of outdoor activities, including the use of state parks, as long as sound social distancing is followed.
