(WXYZ) — The Huron-Clinton Metroparks said it plans to resume normal tolling operations on Friday, May 15 and will collect admission seven days a week.
Previously, the Metroparks offered free admission on Tuesdays-Thursdays during the coronavirus outbreak.
As they slowly begin operations for the warmer months, the Metroparks team will monitor attendance in the park and make sure total parking spaces to not exceed 60% of full capacity.
Metroparks director Amy McMillan tells 7 Action News, "We are 100% on board with social distancing. We are enforcing social distancing."
"We've actually had some record days before the weather started to get better and in some of our parks like Stony Creek, year-to-date, attendance is almost double," she explained.
McMillan says staff had to temporarily close two of their parks for an hour and a half because there were so many people about two weeks ago.
"We know it's an inconvenience to people when it happens but we would much rather inconvenience people than have people become ill," McMillan said.
When overcrowding occurs, they may have to temporarily close certain areas of the park.
McMillan said, "Most of our visitors have been really great about observing social distancing. If you got out on the trails you'll see that small families, and families are not required to socially distance within their own group. Otherwise, people are generally following the rules."
If you visit one of the Metroparks during this time, please be aware of a few important changes we’ve put in place at all of our parks:
- Our programming is canceled through June 15.
- We are cancelling the annual fireworks shows as well as all summer concerts through July 4 at Lake St. Clair and Stony Creek Metroparks. These events traditionally draw very large crowds, making social distancing impossible.
- Our playgrounds are closed.
- Our park offices are closed.
- Our interpretive centers are closed. This includes all nature centers, farm centers and the Marshlands Museum.
- Limited bathrooms are open at this time. Bathrooms in the parks are being slowly reopened, but the ability to keep bathrooms open will rely on the ability to restock toilet paper, soap and disinfecting supplies. It is recommended that you wear a face mask in public restrooms, where keeping six feet of space may be difficult. Always follow CDC guidelines for slowing the spread of COVID-19.
- Golf courses are now open with additional precautions.
- Pools, splash pads and the Turtle Cove Aquatic Center are planned to open later this summer. This delayed opening will accommodate repair projects that couldn’t be made during the Stay Home, Stay Safe executive orders, as well as necessary safety training for lifeguards. Metroparks hope to open most pools by mid-June and Turtle Cove in early July, but this is subject to change. Future updates will be provided as those dates get closer.
- You can download at-home activities and access videos and other content to stay engaged with the Metroparks at metroparks.com/virtual
We continue to encourage everyone to continue following these important steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
• If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19, call your health care provider. If you do not have a health care provider, call the nearest hospital.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others.
• Stay at least 6 feet away from others when in a public setting.
Additional Coronavirus information and resources:
Read our daily Coronavirus Live Blog for the latest updates and news on coronavirus.
Click here for a page with resources including a COVID-19 overview from the CDC, details on cases in Michigan, a timeline of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's orders since the outbreak, coronavirus' impact on Southeast Michigan, and links to more information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC and the WHO.
View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.
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See all of our Helping Each Other stories.
See complete coverage on our Coronavirus Continuing Coverage page.