Manage your visitors during Covid, some simple ideas and suggestions

A lot of parks and greenspaces have seen an increase in visitors during the pandemic, some with as much as a 50% increase in guests during this strange period. I want to offer some observation and possible solution what can be done to still serve your visitors in a safe way even though the numbers might have increased. In addition, some things to bear in mind.

One important thing is to communicate with your visitors as for some of them it is their first period of time being outdoors more regularly. Informing how to deal with garbage/rubbish with the “leave no trace” campaign and raising awareness for how we behave ethically in nature. We leave the park as it is and do not pick flowers or disturb the wildlife.

For those featuring trails, people can be directed to the lesser popular trails, a system can be introduced where people are encouraged to hike certain trails depending on the first letter of their last name; for example people with last names starting A-L will be encouraged to use certain trails for the first part of the week etc. Signs can also be posted and ask the visitors to go in a certain direction only and that way minimize contact between individuals when we coss paths.

If there is a massive influx of people parking spaces can be sealed of or restricted so that the pressure is less. This one is a delicate matter as not to restrict access to parks but balance with the pressure on the actual park and the number of people visiting.

Lets maximize the number of people getting outside in a safe and healthy manner, together we can do it!