Covid-19 pandemic: which beaches and parks are closed?
April 20, 2020 | Mark Mattson and Krystyn Tully
“How to go outside” by Great Lakes Guide, a Swim Drink Fish app.
Swim Drink Fish’s flagship apps were designed to help people find places they can go to connect with water. They were born out of equal parts inspiration and frustration. Inspiration, because we realize how good it feels to connect with friends, family, and nature at the water’s edge. Frustration, because we couldn’t believe that no one had ever created a simple list of beaches and parks you can visit. Ten years ago, we rolled up our sleeves and started making that list … and we’re still at it today.
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, we realized that Swim Guide and Great Lakes Guide had a responsibility to provide you with accurate, up-to-date information about which beaches, parks, and swimming holes are open to the public. We also felt a responsibility to make sure we share accurate information about how to use public spaces responsibly and to answer your questions about the virus’ impact on water quality.
So even though the Swim Drink Fish office shut down, our staff have been working hard to create and maintain lists of the beach and park closures in Ontario and the USA.
As it turns out, these are some of the only lists out there that summarize how different jurisdictions are handling the Covid-19 pandemic and access to public spaces. We realize that the information has immediate, practical value to you.
The information also has historical value, as it may provide valuable information about which responses help to contain the virus, protect the local economy, and should inform best practices in future public health emergencies.
In addition to collecting data, we’ve also mobilized our team to create resources and articles that show you how connecting with nature can help manage anxiety, isolation, and depression. We support physical distancing rules that help “flatten the curve” as Covid-19 spreads around the world. At the same time, we recognize that isolation and financial worries will have mental health impacts unlike anything our generation as seen before. That’s why we are creating resources that tell you what you can do, in addition to listing closures and quarantine rules.
We’ve always believed that the question “where can I go to access the water?” is an important one, but it’s profoundly important at this moment in time. The entire world wants to know if we can go outside, if we can use parks and public spaces, and how to connect with nature to help ease our anxieties and fears. We’ll do the best we can to help answer those questions.
If we’ve missed something, please message us. We’re updating the information constantly and welcome your feedback.
