The Berks County Parks and Recreation Department has postponed or canceled all events, public outreach programs and facility reservations in March through April 30, including the Let’s Go Fly a Kite! Festival on May 2nd. Parks offices are also closed through March 31.
“We recognize the importance of getting outdoors for recreation, exercise and overall health benefits. While we have cancelled our upcoming programs and special events; the Berks County parks, trails and non-seasonal restrooms at Gring’s Mill Recreation Area, the Berks County Heritage Center, as well as portable units at Antietam Lake Park and the Angora Fruit Farm, remain open for your use. We encourage you to get outdoors to take a walk, ride your bike, go fishing or take a paddle while practicing social distancing in avoiding large groups.” says a statement by the parks department.
Maintenance staff have increased their normal cleaning procedures by implementing daily sanitizing of public restrooms in the Parks. “We will continue to closely monitor the situation and will be following all CDC and County guidelines. Updates to these plans will be provided as the situation unfolds.”
Park hours are 8 am until 7 pm in March, and 8 am until 8 pm in April.
In addition, staff also want to remind the public that only service animals are allowed in parks and recreation areas along the Tulpehocken Creek and on the Union Canal Towpath trail. Antietam Lake Park is the only County area where leashed dogs are permitted.
“We encourage you to enjoy these other non-County parks and trails where leashed dogs are permitted: Nolde Forest EEC, Blue Marsh Lake, the Schuylkill River Trail, Exeter Scenic Trail, Shiloh Hills Park, Jim Dietrich Dog Park.”
