Parks and Covid-19
CPCIL will post available information on various federal, provincial, and territorial parks agency approaches and resources as they become available.
Canadian Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Park Agency Responses
COVID-19 Beyond CPC Agencies
“Free online meetings designed for us to gather, support each other and explore ways to mitigate the negative impact of COVID-19 on Led Outdoor Activities (and other programs in general).
Just like the Summit gathering in Gatineau, these Basecamp Conversations are meant to be active and participatory processes. Please come ready to be part of the problem-solving process and be a positive contributor to the National Outdoor Community.”
Link to statement and resources
“Past crises have proven that parks and recreation are one of the first and most crucial services to return to communities. Parks and recreation play a critical role in the mental and physical health recovery of citizens and play an equally important role in community economic revival. Access to recreation facilities and programs is a fundamental service for Canadians that will usher in a return of normalcy after COVID-19 — especially for children and seniors.”
This page collects IUCN resources related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the relationship between nature and human health.
“The National Park Service is modifying its operations on a park-by-park basis in accordance with the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local public health authorities. While most facilities and events are closed or canceled, outdoor spaces in some parks remain accessible to the public. Before visiting, please check with individual parks regarding changes to park operations.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and national emergency, many of America’s State Parks have closed facilities, access and in some cases the whole park. Some states have closed all the parks entirely. As the changes are so dynamic day to day, please check each official parks website for each state for the current status. Those web links are available at www.StateParks.org
National Recreation and Parks Association (US) Response to COVID-19 – resources and policy statements
“Welcome to the #NatureForAll Discovery Zone. Curated from #NatureForAll partner resources, and ranging from videos to lesson plans, comic books to coloring books, this collection will help you connect people with nature, instill love of nature and learn about nature wherever you are. “
Outdoor Play Canada Response to COVID-19
“Many have struggled to access the outdoors, parks, and nature as a result of physical distancing regulations instituted across the country in reaction to the COVID-19 outbreak. Most Provincial and National parks are closed or are difficult to access. At the municipal level, many parks have either closed completely, or are limited to ‘walk-through only’ access to reduce the spread of the virus.”
IUCN World Conservation Congress
“In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure the safety of participants and visitors, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the French government have decided to postpone the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2020. Previously scheduled for 11 to 19 June 2020, it will now take place from 7 to 15 January 2021 in Marseille. “
Statement on Natural Benefits of Public Parks and Green Spaces
“We’re certainly grappling with all these changes. We hope it’s comforting to know you are not dealing with this alone.
As you continue to adjust, we wanted to provide you with some activities and ideas that you may find useful and even fun. We hope you enjoy these opportunities to learn about and explore our world—and continue to make a difference—from home.”
WWF has compiled resources for connecting with nature during COVID-19 pandemic.
Resources for Connecting People with Parks during Restrictions
Arkansas State Parks “Social ‘Physical’ Distancing”
Lethbridge Parks, Alberta “Outside is Open”
Tennessee State Parks “Tips for Visiting Safely After a Park Reopens”
News and Research
Impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on biodiversity conservation
Corlett, Richard T., et al. “Impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on biodiversity conservation.” Biological Conservation (2020). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2020.108571.
Higgins-Desbiolles, Freya. “Socialising tourism for social and ecological justice after COVID-19.” Tourism Geographies(2020): 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1080/14616688.2020.1757748
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The Rules for Going Outdoors During Coronavirus
How to recreate responsibly and safely through the COVID-19 pandemic
Outside Magazine
More Time Out in Nature Is an Unexpected Benefit of the COVID-19 Sheltering Rules
Exploring the natural world can be restorative to mental health
Scientific American