Imperial County parks reopen amid Coronavirus crisis

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - Imperial County parks have just re-opened, more than a month after closing, due to the Coronavirus.

They say it's a way for residents to keep active, and that it's possible while social distancing. But not everyone agrees.

This global pandemic is not stopping park goers from enjoying the great outdoors.

“The lake, the fishing and the social distancing at its greatest.”

Brian Hardy, a San Diego resident, is a park visitor.

“I think if you start penning people up, Just telling them, because of few people that have ruined it; basically the picnics and so forth, the people piling up together, the protests in san diego that were seeing. They have no regard for other people around them,” he said.

With the public’s health and safety in mind, the County says, we can’t forget about staying physically active - to keep our mind and body healthy.

These outdoor recreational areas are used for jogging, walking, biking and other non-contact outdoor sports.

Richard Monteo visits Sunbeam Lake Park with his family.

“I think its good because people don’t have things to do at home and they want to go out and do something. Going from school and doing a bunch of stuff to not doing nothing at all is a a hard change.” Monteo said.

While these spaces offer health benefits, the County says, it is important that you follow certain steps; to continue to protect yourself and others from coronavirus.

“I think if they can come out here, respect the laws and respect the rules about social distancing wearing your mask, carrying your hand sanitizer. This is the best way for folks to unwind a little bit, come out here and enjoy your natural resources.” Hardy added.

The parks re-opening include:
Sunbeam Lake Park - 1750 Drew Road, Seeley, CA 92273
Wiest Lake Park - 5351 Dietrich Road, Brawley, CA 92227
Red Hill Park - 7581 Garst Road, Calipatria, CA 92233
Palo Verde Park - 520 B. Ben Hulse Hwy, Palo Verde, CA 92266