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The Trustees and Mass Audubon discourage visits to their properties
By Ron Newman on Tue, 03/24/2020 - 7:19am
Both The Trustees of Reservations and the Massachusetts Audubon Society have posted online notices saying that their properties are officially "closed" as of today at noon.
An email from The Trustees acknowledges that some people will still want to visit these reservations, so it includes this paragraph which is not on their website:
We recognize that many Trustees properties are without gates or barriers and are within safe walking distance from neighbors and others and could be safely visited within the parameters of the Governor’s directive. We ask that those who choose to visit those properties at this time, be respectful, follow guidelines about litter, safety, and dog behavior. We understand that these changes will feel dire to many who have come to rely on the daily use and enjoyment of our properties. We ask that everyone comply with the Governor's orders, that you respect the closures of our properties, and that you keep your families and others safe during this unknown and unpredictable time.
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Comments
I don't understand the logic
Going outside to exercise is an important part of maintaining public health, and is specifically allowed and encouraged by Gov. Baker's statements (and even in California, which has a stricter shelter-in-place order in effect).
Reducing the number of places that are available for outdoor exercise concentrates the people in a smaller number of spaces, thereby increasing the density of crowds.
It seems that closing outdoor recreation spaces where people can walk is almost exactly the wrong thing to be doing at the moment.
Also, the "many of you live within walking distance of our properties" sort of implies that, while going to your local park and walking there is OK, somehow driving to a more remote (and possibly less crowded) park is not OK?
Exercise is important, but I
Exercise is important, but I'm pretty sure a recommendation to "stay at home" does not encourage people to go outside to exercise (yes, of course it's allowed). This isn't a vacation. People should be staying at home to the extent possible, and that includes exercise unless it's not practical to do what you need at home.
Exercise is essential for mental health and stability
Deny it to people, and we will get a sharp spike in depression and suicides.
Yes, it's essential, but
Yes, it's essential, but closing parks is not denying exercise to anybody. Exercise at home, and if you can't, exercise close to your home in a place that isn't crowded. Parks have become pretty crowded recently.
I think people driving to parks has been making them crowded
Hence, the point of this order. Walk near your home, but don't go to popular parks that have been crowded, even with shelter in place advisories.
I would agree with this. I've
I would agree with this. I've been told that Parker River NWR at Plum Island was unusually crowded this past weekend... typically this time of year it would be mostly birders frequenting the reservation.
Last week at World's End . . .
. . . there was such a huge crowd that you couldn't get into the lot. Because of this, at least at the entrance and in the lot, there couldn't possibly be any social distancing even if you could park. We turned around and left. They made the right choice.
Those who live near their properties tend to be wealthier
So, I guess it's OK for the wealthy to walk to their neighborhood preserve. Those of you who need to drive or-- gasp!-- take public transportation, very sorry but the park is closed.