All Waukesha County Parks and recreational trails continue to remain open to the public during the Safer at Home order issued by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS).
“We know that our parks and trails provide opportunities for physical activity and stress relief that is needed for residents during this pandemic,” said Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow. “I believe that we can continue to use our green spaces in a safe manner by maintaining social distancing requirements.”
Staying at home as much as possible is critical to slowing the COVID-19 infection rates, and helps prevent a surge that would overwhelm our healthcare system and workers. Outdoor activities are still permitted, including visiting parks.
Parks, trails, and dog exercise areas are open for walking and running, hiking, biking and nature viewing. All paved recreational trails are also open. Playgrounds and water fountains are closed, and no team or contact sports are permitted. Park users may find some public restrooms closed, and staff are not able to wipe down tables or other surfaces within the parks. Visitors are encouraged bring hand sanitizer with them.
Distance between visitors is key during this public health emergency. Guests that are not part of a single household or living unit are to maintain six feet of distance from other people. Park users may see park staff and park rangers monitoring social distancing guidelines and ensuring park rules are being followed for visitor safety as they enjoy the outdoors. Guests should not congregate at self-pay stations or in parking lots. Annual park entrance stickers are available for purchase online at www.waukeshacountyparks.com and daily passes are available at the park entrances.
Waukesha County golf courses, ice arenas, Exposition Center, and Retzer Environmental Learning Center buildings remain closed, however, the nature center grounds are open. The Waukesha County Park System continues to receive the most up-to-date information and will continue to monitor park activity to determine if additional park closures become necessary.
For changing status within the Park System, monitor www.waukeshacounty.gov/parkalerts.
For updated, credible information about COVID-19 in Waukesha County, visit: www.waukeshacounty.gov/COVID19.