Massachusetts DCR Makes Adjustments At Parks To Prevent Overcrowding During Coronavirus
BOSTON (CBS) – With warm and sunny conditions for a second straight day, Massachusetts officials are making moves to prevent state parks from becoming overcrowded during the coronavirus pandemic.
In Jamaica Plain, Francis Parkman Drive was closed indefinitely to vehicles between Perkins Street and the Arborway in an effort to reduce crowds on Sunday. The road is opened to cyclists and pedestrians.
At 11:30 a.m., the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation announced that parking areas at Blue Hills State Reservation in Milton would be closed for at least two hours because the park reached the maximum safe number of visitors.
As of 12:30 p.m., parking areas at Walden Pond State Reservation were closed for at least two hours.
Similar closures happened on Saturday in Massachusetts with residents eager to get outside and enjoy the mild temperatures.
Gov. Charlie Baker's order to wear a mask anytime you go outside doesn't take effect until later this week.
"People, I think, have been good about wearing masks and I think people seem to be friendly and trying to abide by the rules as much as possible so that's really nice to see," said one man at Jamaica Pond.
A woman said, "I think the fact that we're seeing so much compliance and so many people being careful and caring about each other is a good sign that maybe we'll be OK for the spring and summer even if these guidelines have to continue."
One man told WBZ-TV he doesn't believe masks are effective, but he was wearing one anyway. "It's better safe than sorry but I don't believe in it at all. From what I studied the particles can go right into the side, into your ear -- but out of respect for other people, you have to do it," he said.
For updates on park closures, visit the Massachusetts DCR Twitter account.
