Richard Riffle and David G. walk through the closed spray park at Riverfront Park on Thursday, April 9. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
With warmer weather, Salem residents are escaping ‘stay home’ restrictions with trips to Salem city parks, which remain open.
Health officials, however, have almost pleaded with residents to take steps to avoid spreading COVID-19. That includes avoiding gathering in groups and following the social distancing rule of staying at least six feet away from others. They also encourage residents to follow new federal guidance to wear a non-medical mask while out in public to help slow the spread of the disease that has brought the city to a low hum of activity.
State officials reminded Oregonians that all state parks are closed and off limits and federal trailheads in places such as the Columbia Gorge are closed as well.
“Visiting a closed area poses a danger to the visitor, the limited park staff, and the area itself. Parking and restrooms are closed and trash collection has been suspended,” the state said in a statement urging outdoors restraint.
In Salem, places such as the Riverfront Park remained popular local getaways. The National Weather Service forecast sunny days with highs in the mid-60s for the next several days.
People enjoy the nice weather while keeping their distance in Riverfront Park on Thursday, April 9. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Matt and Lisa Caswell, of Salem, take advantage of the nice weather to get out of the house and ride their bikes over the Union Street Railroad Bridge on Thursday, April 9. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Chalk art along the Carousel building at Riverfront Park on Thursday, April 9. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
A sign in the window of Salem’s Riverfront Carousel on Thursday, April 9. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Swings are locked together to prevent use at Riverfront Park on Thursday, April 9. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Swings are roped off with caution tape at Riverfront Park on Thursday, April 9. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Audra Andersen and son Makai, 2, of Salem walk up the ramp from the dock at Riverfront Park on Thursday, April 9. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Jost Rist, left, of Salem, and Noah Grunberg, of Keizer, chat at Riverfront Park on Thursday, April 9. “It’s my first time out in two weeks, we’re all just trying to find some human connection,” said Grunberg. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
People enjoy the nice weather while keeping their distance in Riverfront Park on Thursday, April 9. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
People enjoy the nice weather while keeping their distance in Riverfront Park on Thursday, April 9. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
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