While we strongly agree that sunshine, getting outdoors and connecting with nature is an antidote for mental and physical and health, we are also paying attention to our land managers posting around changes regarding COVID 19. We have postponed Trailwork Kick-Off until April 11.
At this point, City Open Space, BLM, Forest Service, and private trail access areas remain open. The National Park Service states: National parks and their facilities remain open during the coronavirus epidemic in the United States while National Park Service officials await further guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“To help guide the National Park Service operational response to the novel (new) coronavirus (COVID-19), the NPS Office of Public Health and the U.S. Public Health Service officers assigned to the NPS are closely monitoring the situation and keeping staff informed,” Park Service acting chief spokesperson Stephanie Roulett told the Traveler in an email. “They are relying on the most updated data and information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), the Office of Personnel and Management (OPM), state and local public health authorities, and coordinating with the DOI Office of Emergency Management.
“The national parks are open and facilities are maintaining continuity of operations,” she added. “The NPS is focused on ensuring employees, their families, volunteers, and visitors are safe by following the most current guidance from the CDC, OPM, OEM, and other federal, state, and local health authorities.”
The Park Service has been working to keep the public up-to-date on the situation via its public health website.
The Durango Rec Center, Chapman Hill, Durango Gymnastics and the Durango Library will close on Monday, March 16.
City of Durango facility closures effective Monday, March 16:
- Durango Community Recreation Center
- Chapman Hill
- Durango Gymnastics
- Durango Public LibraryAll previously scheduled Recreation and Library programs, as well as meeting room rentals, will be canceled during this closure period. We will be evaluating the ability to issue refunds or credits for recreation passes, memberships, and meeting room rentals. The City facility and program closures will be in effect through April 7, 2020. All other City facilities are still operating normally.During the closure, City staff will conduct a deep cleaning and disinfection of these facilities as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers.
