Wisconsin Closes More Than 40 State Parks Over Coronavirus Fears

Milwaukee WI

09 April, 2020

10:38 AM

Description

MILWAUKEE, WI — As the weather in Wisconsin is warming up, more people are going to local parks to get some outside time. Yet, amid the coronavirus public health emergency, state officials say crowds are gathering at these parks and causing greater risk of spreading COVID-19. On Thursday, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers today directed the Department of Natural Resources to close several state parks to protect the health and safety of Wisconsinites, citing "unprecedented crowds, litter and vandalism." State officials said the closures were "out of an abundance of caution to protect public health and safety and help flatten the curve, the following Wisconsin State Parks, Forests and Recreational Areas will close at the end of the day Thurs., April 9, and will remain closed beginning Fri., April 10, until further notice." Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters. Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautio "I wanted to keep state parks open for the public to enjoy during this challenging time which is why outdoor activity is listed as an essential activity under the Safer at Home order," Evers said in a statement. "Unfortunately, growing difficulty with ensuring social distancing compliance, dwindling cleaning supplies and mounting trash are some of the challenges faced by our state parks staff. We have to address the growing public health and safety concern and protect Wisconsinites." Northeast Region High Cliff State Park Southeast RegionBig Foot Beach State Park Harrington Beach State Park Havenwoods State Forest Kohler-Andrae State Park Kettle Moraine State Forest Lapham Peak Loew Lake, Mukwonago River Northern Unit Pike Lake Southern Unit Lakeshore State Park Richard Bong State Recreational Area South Central Region Aztalan State Park Belmont Mound State Park Blue Mound State Park Cadiz Springs State Recreational Area Capital Springs State Recreational Area Cross Plains State Park Devil's Lake State Park Fenley State Recreational Area Governor Dodge State Park Governor Nelson State Park Lake Kegonsa State Park Lower Wisconsin Riverway Mackenzie Center Mirror Lake State Park Natural Bridge State Park Nelson Dewey State Park New Glarus Woods State Park Rocky Arbor State Park Sauk Prairie State Recreational Area Tower Hill State Park Wyalusing State Park Yellowstone Lake State Park Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area Pewits Nest State Natural Area Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area Dells of The Wisconsin River State Natural Area State officials said Thursday's closures may be the first of many if the public continues on their current course. "If the public does not follow social distancing guidelines and vandalizes property, more state parks may have to close," Evers said in a statement Thursday. Many city and county parks, and some beaches along Lake Michigan have already been closed by local officials. Related Reading Wisconsin Coronavirus Tracker 2020 Democratic National Convention Postponed National Guard To Be Called Out On Election Day Over Coronavirus Coronavirus Closures: Walmart, Woodman's, Target, Mayfair, More What's going on in Wisconsin? Find Out Here Want to submit an article? It's easy.