Getting outside and helping each other get through this is important now more than ever, we will be using the wording physical distancing rather than social distancing as we know that we need connection with people to maintain our mental health.

Our Parkscriptions Day celebration was quite different this year. Instead of having an event we created a video to show how to get outside during COVID-19 and using your five senses to do so.

 

Messaging for getting outside during COVID-19

We have crafted messaging around how to safely get outside while respecting the Stay Home, Stay Healthy Order.

• If you are sick, stay home.
• If you are unable to get outside, look outside your window, find a sit spot in your house next to a house plant or look at images of nature and take deep breaths for 5 minutes.
• If you have a backyard, front yard, porch, or balcony observe nature using your five senses. What do you hear, see, smell, taste or feel?
• Anytime you are outside, stay 6 feet away from anyone that does not live in your household.
• Use your five senses when visiting parks, green spaces and on trails. Keep moving slowly observing what is around you. If you find a sit spot to enjoy the nature around you, pause for 15 minutes and continue moving.
• If you have to go by car, it may be too far. Find ways to explore your neighborhood or bike to a park or greenspace if walking is too far.
• Parking spaces at parks and green spaces should be reserved for people with mobility issues and those with no neighborhood parks/green spaces and are unable to walk/bike.
• When on a run increase that physical distance of those that you do not live with to 13 feet
• Enjoy mountain biking close to home. Ride on trails that are below your expertise level, to minimize injury and keep you out of the hospital.
• When passing others on a trail, say hello, turn your back to them, move to allow for a 6-foot distance between parties and continue on.
• Always remember to leave no trace, including poop bags, pack out all of your garbage.

Park Highlight

Cornwall Park has a variety of natural elements, running water, woods, open grass areas, and trail systems. It is a great park to incorporate your five sense, slow down, and be mindful.

 

Inspiration

“The most beautiful gift of nature is that it gives one pleasure to look around and try to comprehend what we see. “

-Albert Einstein