Outdoor & Fall Activities, Parks, Playgrounds & Travel

      HALLOWEEN

      During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to use caution and plan ahead for Halloween festivities. Decisions on whether to participate should be made by local communities, individuals, and parents/ guardians.  ODH's guidance is designed to help curb the spread of COVID-19. It will be reassessed and updated as the situation evolves in the weeks leading up to Halloween.

      Trick or Treat Halloween Treat Bags

      Celebrating Halloween Guidance

      Outdoor Activities

      Staying physically active is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy. In many areas, people can visit parks, trails, and open spaces as a way to relieve stress, get some fresh air, and stay active.

        Responsible ReStart Ohio Guidance for Outdoor Activities

         
        The Outdoor Recreation Advisory Group guidance to ReStart:

        Playgrounds

        CDC recommends thoughtful re-opening and care of playgrounds. 

        Outdoor areas generally require normal routine cleaning and do not require disinfection. Spraying disinfectant on sidewalks and in parks is not an efficient use of disinfectant supplies and has not been proven to reduce the risk of COVID-19 to the public. You should continue existing cleaning and hygiene practices for outdoor areas.

        The targeted use of disinfectants can be done effectively, efficiently, and safely on outdoor hard surfaces and objects frequently touched by multiple people (e.g., handrails, benches); make sure disinfectant has thoroughly dried before allowing children to play.

        The Ohio Department of Heath reminds playground users to social distance, wear masks when possible, and wash and/or sanitize hands before and after play to prevent the spread of disease.

        Parks

          Information for Park Administrators

          Parks, trails, and open spaces can provide opportunities for physical activity while also providing opportunities for a break, health, and wellness. People are encouraged to use parks, trails, and open spaces safely while following current guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

          CDC offers guidance for the use and administration of local, state, and national parks. Public parks and recreational facilities can be operated and managed by groups such as:

          • County, city, state, or national governments;
          • Apartment complexes;
          • Homeowners’ associations.

          For additional CDC Park and Recreational Facilities guidance click here.

          Restroom Guidance at Park Facilities

          CDC recommends that, if possible, restrooms should be open if a park is open for public visitation.  If restrooms will be closed, notify visitors ahead of time so they can prepare appropriately.

          CDC recommendations to maintain restrooms that remain open are meant to ensure they have functional toilets, clean and disinfected surfaces, and handwashing supplies. Ensure that open restrooms are:

          • Operating with functional toilets.
          • Cleaned and disinfected regularly, particularly high-touch surfaces such as faucets, toilets, doorknobs, and light switches.
          • Clean, and disinfect restrooms daily or more often if possible using EPA-registered disinfectants that are effective against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
          • Following the Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting to develop, implement, and maintain a plan to perform regular cleanings to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
          • Regularly stocked with supplies for handwashing, including soap and paper towels for drying hands or hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol and no touch trash cans.
          • In addition, advise employees to always wear gloves appropriate for the chemicals being used when they are cleaning and disinfecting, and that they may need additional PPE based on the setting and product. Employees should follow the directions on the label of the products. Ensure that cleaning products are stored properly and kept away from children.

          NOTE: Often restroom facilities without running water, such as portable toilets and vault toilets, are not stocked with hand hygiene products. Encourage visitors to bring their own hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol for use in these facilities.

          Information for Park Visitors

          The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides guidance to to stay safe and healthy while enjoying outdoor activities.  

           
          Information For Visiting Portage County Parks

           

          Portage Parks

           Portage Parks Wild Hikes Challenge

           

          Information for Visiting Ohio State Parks

          ODNR

          Travel & Tourism