Experts weigh in on the next steps for parks following the COVID-19 crisis
On May 26, Save the Redwoods League hosted a webinar with a number of special guests to discuss the role of parks following the COVID-19 crisis. We recorded the webinar for your viewing.
As the COVID-19 crisis unfolded, Californians turned increasingly to parks and open spaces not only for physical activity and fresh air but also for stress relief and their well-being. With some parks reporting a 400 percent increase in visitation when we first began sheltering in place, this enthusiasm for our parks actually forced some to temporarily close to keep the visiting public safe and socially distanced. Through it all, it is clear that the parks, public lands, and open spaces that we’ve protected are essential to Californians.
Now, as our state begins to heal and move forward into our new normal, questions remain about how to open and recreate in the parks safely, and how we can ensure that our parks meet the demands and needs of a growing, diverse, and stressed population.
Guests for this webinar included:
- Jason De Wall, Northern Field Division Chief, California State Parks
- Robert E. Doyle, General Manager of the East Bay Regional Park District
- Caryl Hart, PhD, California Coastal Commissioner and former Director of Sonoma County Regional Parks. Caryl is also on the Board of Directors for Save the Redwoods League
- Lorelle Ross, Vice-Chair of the Tribal Council of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. Lorelle is also a Save the Redwoods League Councilor.
- Sam Hodder, President and CEO of Save the Redwoods League
- Jessica Carter, Director of Parks and Public Engagement for Save the Redwoods League
