By Wendi Rank

There’s good news for those of us looking to get some fresh air, exercise – even squeeze in a round of golf.

On Friday, May 1^st, Governor Tom Wolf allowed private campgrounds, marinas, and golf courses to open, reports 6abc.com. Guided fishing trips are now permitted state-wide as well.

These sites join the  Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources  (DCNR) sites that have remained open throughout the state during the pandemic. DCNR sites include trails, forests, and waterways, as told to Steve Marroni at Penn Live Patriot News.

None of these opened sites are permitted to hold indoor activities, events, or host sizable crowds.

Public campgrounds are closed through Thursday, May 14^th reports 6abc.com, and  Penn Live Patriot News notes that beaches continue to be closed through June 6^th.

Public campgrounds involve those on state land and may open once a county moves to Governor Wolf’s yellow phase.

Utilization of these public areas should continue to follow the social distancing rules now familiar from the weekly grocery run. “How you maintain social distancing, that has to be how you approach every single relaxation of the restrictions we have all been under,” Montgomery County Commissioner Val Arkoosh told 6abc.com.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has posted rules for these public sites. Continue to keep your nose and mouth covered while maintaining 6 feet of distance from other users. It is strongly recommended you attend a site close to home and leave if it appears crowded.

When walking or hiking trails, stay on the opposite side from others enjoying the same footpaths.

On the golf course, limit one golfer to a hole – and no cheating while you’re putting alone.

Penn Live Patriot News emphasizes that, as exhausted as you may be from everyone you live with, only camp with others in your household.

Better yet, go alone.

Whatever you’re doing, save the coffee run for later. Public outdoor recreation sites are permitted to have one bathroom open, even if the site itself is closed, notes Penn Live Patriot News.

You can find more information on public land openings on the DCNR website here, and on Governor Wolf’s website here.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Wendi Rank, an Abington High School and LaSalle University grad, lives in Warminster.

________________________________________________________________________________________________