COVID-19 UPDATES and FAQ’S
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Doddridge County Citizens,
Doddridge County Parks & Recreation Commission (DCPRC) would like to recognize the difficulties that each of us face during this time. It is important to recognize we are succeeding and must stay the course as West Virginia takes measured steps toward re-opening.
DCPRC is working with WV DHHR, WV DNR and DC Board of Health to keep abreast of the official guidelines and we appreciate your cooperation and patience as we work through the ever-changing situation. Please take a moment to review the following updates on the state of our parks and programs.
- Open spaces in all parks are open and accessible. Restrooms are open in the Park.
- All playgrounds are open with specific guidelines posted. If you plan on using the courts please only play with those from your household.
- Group gatherings are restricted to 25 people or less.
- Meathouse Fork Disc Golf Course is open for play.
- Effective May 21, 2020 the Lone Pine Campground will be open. IN-STATE RESIDENTS ONLY at this time. Camping sites are reserved on a first-come, first served basis and all policies are in effect and adjusted to the circumstances. Per WV guidelines only registered guests are allowed in the campground. No visitors or guests allowed at anytime.
- Main Building, Barn, Shelters and Pavilion rentals are being taken for the Summer. Maximum occupancy of 25 at any facility will be strictly enforced at this time. If you have a reservation and cannot meet social distancing guidelines or group size, contact the Park Office to cancel or reschedule. Gatherings of more than 25 or groups not adhering to social distancing guidelines will be dispersed.
- Currently, we are not able to make a final determination regarding the opening of the pool for Summer 2020. While we understand many of you look forward to spending summer days relaxing at the pool, the well-being of our community remains our top priority. If we receive clearance to open, we will balance the cost against the remaining length of season and come to a decision on how to proceed.
- Pool renovation work is scheduled to begin in late August or early September. We are working with engineers and architects to finalize designs. Once the project is awarded work can begin.
- We will continue to provide updates on these issues as information becomes available.
Thank you for understanding. Please know that our rules and regulations are in place to maintain the health and safety of our community. Continue to follow us on social media and check our website, www.doddridgecountypark.com, for updates.
Doddridge County Parks & Recreation Commission
Dear Friends,
Thank you for being a Friend of the Doddridge County Park. The health, well-being, and safety of our guests, volunteers, and staff is our top priority. The Park Commission continues to monitor the ever-changing dynamics of the COVID-19 virus and listening to the advice of Federal, State, and Local government and health officials. The health, well-being, and safety of our guests, volunteers, and staff is our top priority. Based on changes put in place by the Governor yesterday and what we learned, the Park Commission has updated its policies, operations, and staffing needs.
Following changes go into effect March 24th, 2020.
We will also be adding additional information on a regular basis to this web page and Facebook page, which will provide updates to our policies and relevant information.
The operational decisions we are making are in alignment with the idea of “flattening the curve” of the virus spread so that our hospital systems can be responsive to those who are sick in a timely and reasonable manner. We have a role to play in slowing the virus spread while serving the community in a healthy way. We are working to ensure we protect at-risk populations and our guests and staff.
Thank you for your patience and commitment as we monitor and respond to this health crisis. While we don’t have all the answers today, I am committed to providing regular updates to you all. I know that the Doddridge County Park has the support of the community in this crisis and we will work in whatever way we can to protect and assist the community.
IMMEDIATE CHANGES TAKING PLACE
Based on what we learn from health and government officials and other Parks, we are making policy and operational changes to prevent the spread of illness. More changes may come, and we will share them with you regularly. While the Park remains open, we feel it is best to take precautions.
- Beginning Tuesday, March 24, all group meetings and activities will be canceled thru April 30.
- Lone Pine Campground will not accept any camping guests through April 30th.
- Beginning May 1st, the Campground will accept RV Campers. Yurts will remain closed to reservation until the emergency is lifted.
- Restrooms and Playgrounds are closed for use.
- These changes bring our policies in line with the State Park System.
- We will be working with all appropriate agencies and continue to gather information and may extend these dates if appropriate.
Dear Park Family,
With the coronavirus outbreak on everyone’s mind, we wanted to let you know that the Doddridge County Park staff is taking necessary precautions
to minimize risk of transmission, and also looking at what we can do to help mitigate the effects of social isolation.
During this time of social distancing, we strongly encourage you to get outside for a good dose of fresh air and vitamin D. Despite the great uncertainty of the pandemic, some things are certain: Spring wildflowers are starting to pop up, and will put on their great display for the next eight weeks regardless of what’s happening in the human world. American Woodcocks are circling breeding sites at dawn and dusk with their crazy courtship flight. The “river of birds” that is our springtime migration will soon
begin its annual northward flow from points south. Mountain streams are gushing, trees are budding, spring peepers are deafening the evenings
around ponds, and birdhouses are being explored by hopeful nesters.
To keep ourselves, and maybe yourselves, upbeat, we suggest:
- Take a hike in a nearby park, preserve, arboretum, or natural area
- Stroll along the local rail-trail
- Sit still on a log in a forest for five minutes
- Walk the dog on longer walks than usual
- Keep feeding the birds
- Take advantage of longer daylight to float in your kayak on a river at the end of the day
- Make a “call list” of people who need to be checked on. Ring them up, or try a video call; it’s next-best to being there.
- Create a journal of what you do and how you are adapting day to day. Someday, you will want to be reminded of your personal history.
- Send a donation to a food bank.
- Sort and organize one of those boxes of old photos: That “someday” project may have just arrived! Copy and share the best ones.
- Fill a few big pots with potting soil, and plant them outside with peas, chard, and lettuces.
Wash your hands, and stay healthy!
Reprinted in part with permission of the West Virginia Land Trust
Dear Friends,
Thank you for being a Friend of the Doddridge County Park. The health, well-being, and safety of our guests, volunteers, and staff is our top priority. The Park Commission has been monitoring the ever-changing dynamics of the COVID-19 virus and listening to the advice of Federal, State, and Local government and health officials. Based on what we learn, we will be making regular adjustments to our policies, operations, and staffing needs. We will be updating our management team daily and sending out regular updates to the staff so that we can serve you best.
We will also be adding additional information on a regular basis to this web page and Facebook page, which will provide updates to our policies and relevant information.
The operational decisions we are making are in alignment with the idea of “flattening the curve” of the virus spread so that our hospital systems can be responsive to those who are sick in a timely and reasonable manner. We have a role to play in slowing the virus spread while serving the community in a healthy way. We are working to ensure we protect at-risk populations and our guests and staff.
Thank you for your patience and commitment as we monitor and respond to this health crisis. While we don’t have all the answers today, I am committed to providing regular updates to you all.
I know that the Doddridge County Park has the support of the community in this crisis and we will work in whatever way we can to protect and assist the community.
IMMEDIATE CHANGES TAKING PLACE
Based on what we learn from health and government officials and other Parks, we are making policy and operational changes to prevent the spread of illness. More changes may come, and we will share them with you regularly. While the Park remains open, we feel it is best to take precautions.
Beginning Tuesday, March 17, all group meetings and activities will be canceled for the remainder of the month, thru March 31.
Lone Pine Campground will not accept any camping guests through April 30th .
We will be working with all appropriate agencies and continue to gather information and may extend these dates if appropriate.
It is important that we practice social distance as recommended by national, state and local health officials.
STOP THE SPREAD
Health officials continue to advise us to focus on the importance of being vigilant in our efforts to prevent the spread of illness. To that end, we can all immediately continue to support a healthy workplace and community by following these common-sense precautions from the Centers for Disease
Control (CDC):
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water, and for at least 20 seconds per hand.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Practice good cough and sneeze etiquette.
- Clean and disinfect your workspace and shared work areas.
- When appropriate, utilize conference calls or virtual meetings rather than in-person meetings.
- The ‘elbow bump’ is the new high-five when you see a colleague or friend.
- Stay home when you feel ill.
We have enhanced our current cleaning protocols and are working to ensure an appropriate level of cleaning and disinfecting supplies are onsite. Please note that our current wipes and our disinfectant sprays are hospital grade. We have ordered additional hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies. During this challenging time, we appreciate your continued patience and support.
