How to enjoy East Bay parks for personal wellness

People need parks now more than ever, as they are viewed as essential for public health and wellness, especially stress relief. State and local stay-at-home orders allow for “outdoor recreation activities” as an “essential activity” as long as social distancing requirements are followed.

Local health agencies asked the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) to keep parks open as much as possible. In April, the Association of Bay Area Health Officers acknowledged the "essential" role of parks during the COVID-19 pandemic and included specific legal language in the shelter-in-place order to allow for the public to engage in the health benefits of parks while still following physical distancing measures.

“The advice for going anywhere is the same as going to parks,” says Dr. Rohan Radhakrishna, Deputy Health Officer, Contra Costa County. “Just as going to a grocery store, we have the same guidelines, though parks are a much lower risk environment.”

In addition to the rules and guidelines listed below, Dr. Radhakrishna reminds people to, “Stay at home if you’re sick and to wear a face covering. It could be a bandana or scarf.”

Though focused on the guidelines, Dr. Radhakrishna encourages his patients and everyone to enjoy the outdoors for their health. “I want to break the fear of going out,” he says. “I see the fear with my patients who have diabetes and other disease, and who want to exercise. People should not be afraid to go out and walk.”

Parks have always been a community-based resource to alleviate sources of stress in people’s lives. In several studies, exposure to nature has been shown in adults to improve adaptation to stress. In children, stressors have a smaller effect on mental health when they live in more green and natural settings.

“Parks play an important role in people’s lives,” said East Bay Regional Park District Board President Ellen Corbett. “Fresh air, open space and a little exercise is important to maintain peace of mind.”

"Visiting parks, exercising, and enjoying nature is good for the health of body and mind,” said Contra Costa County Health Officer Dr. Chris Farnitano. “When hiking or enjoying the outdoors, please follow all social distancing requirements to protect yourself and others.”

To limit unsafe overcrowding and maintain social distancing, the Park District has temporarily closed some parks and parking lots/staging areas until further notice. However, most parks and trails remain accessible for walking, hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

All visitor centers, water fountains, picnic areas, swim facilities/areas, boat ramps, playgrounds, sports fields, campgrounds, group campsites, backcountry campsites, kiosks, and reservable facilities are closed at district parks during the pandemic.

The Park District is doing everything it can to keep parks open and safe while also limiting overcrowding. To help keep parks open, visitors should follow these rules and guidelines:

• Wear cloth face coverings/masks as recommended by the CDC.
• Maintain 6 feet social distance from other park users while walking, biking, and fishing.
• NO picnicking, gatherings, or meetup groups (only immediate households).
• Bring your trash home. Do not leave trash in parks or on trails.
• Keep dogs ON LEASH at ALL times in ALL parks (where dogs are allowed)
• Pick up after your dog
• Bring water and hand sanitizer. Water fountains in parks are temporarily closed.

Visit www.ebparks.org for up-to-date information about parks and closures. While most of the Park District’s 125,000 acres of open space and 1,300 miles of trails remain open and accessible, some parking areas have been closed to limit overcrowding and help maintain social distancing.