Having access to public parks benefits the physical and mental well-being of community members, which is why our parks will remain open as long as possible. That being said, the safety of our visitors and staff is of the utmost importance to us, and we are doing our part to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus.

Out of an abundance of caution, we have taken the following steps:

New Actions & Closures

• The Moss Gibbs Woodland Garden in Broad Run Park will close to visitors starting Sunday, March 29.
• All restrooms will close to visitors starting Sunday, March 29.
• We are increasing our efforts to emphasize the importance of social distancing across all lines of communication.
• Park Rangers and staff are keeping an eye out for visitors not following guidelines to educate and enforce the guidance. Concerned visitors can also report non-compliance to the COVID-19 Reporting Hotline (833-KYSAFER or 833-597-2337) or online at kysafer.ky.gov.

Previous Actions & Closures

• In cooperation with Mayor Fischer’s order, The Barklands dog park in Beckley Creek Park is closed. Dogs on leashes are still permitted on park trails.
• Silo Lookout at the Brown-Forman Silo Center in Turkey Run Park is closed.
• All playgrounds throughout The Parklands are closed. This includes Marshall Playground in Beckley Creek Park, the playground in Pope Lick Park, and Cliffside Playground in Broad Run Park.
• Restrooms at Creekside Trailhead in Beckley Creek Park and Cliffside Trailhead in Broad Run Park are closed. All other restrooms will close on Sunday, March 29.
• Portable toilets are closed.
• The PNC Achievement Center for Education & Interpretation in Beckley Creek Park, home to The Parklands Welcome Center and headquarters of the Outdoor Classroom, is closed.
• Osage Orange Explorer Trail in Beckley Creek Park is closed.
• All facility rentals and permitted events have been postponed or cancelled. Our facilities team is working with families, businesses and organizations to reschedule when possible.
• All Parklands-hosted events have been postponed or cancelled.
• All in-person education programming is suspended until further notice. This includes field trips, Wednesday Wonders, and Storytime in the Storybook Forest.
• Spring Break Camps are cancelled. Those who have registered will be issued a full refund.
• Park Roots: Birding for Beginners, a Parklands Member event scheduled for March 28, 2020, has been cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.
• Staff who are maintaining, cleaning and patrolling the parks are following guidance from the CDC, practicing healthy hand hygiene and social distancing with both visitors and co-workers.
• All staff who are able to work remotely are working from home.

We will continue to follow guidance from state and local authorities and will take additional steps if the situation dictates.

Over the coming weeks, we know many will be looking to the outdoors for recreation, exercise and respite from the ongoing pandemic. With nearly 4,000 acres to explore, visitors can reap the rewards of the outdoors, while practicing social distancing. Our four parks and The Strand offer trails of varying lengths, level-of-difficulty and surface so that visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy nature and the benefits of outdoor recreation.

When visiting The Parklands, visitors should follow recommendations from the CDC to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the flu and other viruses.

• Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.
• Wash hands often and for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing. Properly dispose of the tissue and wash/disinfect your hands.

This is a rapidly changing situation. We will continue to monitor developments and align our response with city and statewide efforts. Visitors are encouraged to visit our website where we will post updates in the event of additional closures and changes.

Thank you for your patience and continued support of our donor and visitor-supported public park as we pull together as a community to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

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