Last Weekend Was A…

Opinion – It was pretty clear last weekend that promoting Wisconsin State Parks as a FREE escape from the stresses of COVID-19 was a big mistake from Devil’s Lake to Parfrey’s Glen SNA to Governor Dodge State Park and beyond.

Stay Home, But Don’t.

On April 3rd, DNR Secretary Preston Cole went on PBS and said, “Get outdoors as much as you can.” By mid-day, Saturday, April 4th, the photos and complaints were flying around social media. By Sunday it was obviously out of hand. Devil’s Lake State Park, Parfrey’s Glen, Governor Dodge, and properties were simply over-run. Parks were as busy or busier than a summer weekend, minus the staff. It was also clear that no matter how much you wanted to, it was often impossible to keep your “social distance” on busy sidewalks and trails. The results of the “Stay Home! (But get outside!)” contradiction was loud and clear. No wonder other politicians were trying to get the golf courses open as well! Frankly, it’s been a farce.

Lost in the Details

Yes, every time someone said, “Get out in the parks!” they also said something about social distancing or being safe. Thing is, we know how people tend to hear this stuff. The first part, “FREE!” & “Get Outdoors!” is loud and clear… The “Be safe yada, yada…” message is lost in a muffle as you grab your car keys on your way out the door! This sort of messaging never works. Good communicators should know this. In addition, we know that there is a portion of the population that doesn’t care or doesn’t believe in the dangers of COVID and they will inevitably put others at risk. Human behavior is awash in predictability.

Expected

We knew this was going to happen. We’ve seen it before during past budget crises and unexpected warm days when there is no staff to manage the traffic. The parks are swamped. Especially parks like Devil’s Lake. What’s more, this pattern of overwhelming parks during the current pandemic started with national parks, then was repeated by state parks around the country. Each system soon realized the problem they had caused with overcrowding and began closing parks soon afterward. Wisconsin wasn’t the first, in fact, we had examples to learn from. Still, we just did the same thing. Why?

Where We’re At

I’ve talked to many folks in the last couple of days about where we go from here. There are many voices saying we have to close our parks. Personally, if we can’t manage them, I agree. What makes me sad, is that we can’t manage them. Yes, the governor & Mr. Cole are right that getting outside would help us all de-stress. BUT if they’re going to promote the parks as the answer, then they have to manage the parks appropriately. If we can still sell groceries and take-out, then parks can still sell stickers and more…

How About?

• We sell stickers again. (From booths, windows or standing with PPE)
• We increase staffing and go “all-hands-on-deck” every weekend. (In proper PPE.)
• We still keep the indoor portions of visitor centers, offices, nature centers, etc closed.
• Have wardens walk the busy trails to remind visitors to keep distance, control pets, etc.
• We can rope off playgrounds.
• Enforce smaller group sizes.
• We make narrow trails, “one-way” wherever possible.
• We close trails & SNAs that can’t be managed or patrolled.
• We limit parking to parking spaces. Give tickets to anyone parked along roadways or the grass.
• We close pit toilets/port-a-potties with little ventilation. (It’s better to hold it, then get COVID.) Keep larger restrooms open.
• We create LARGE signage to warn people not to gather at trailheads and maps. (Not little blue charts that no one will read) BTW, Watch people at the trail maps. They always, always, touch the maps!
• If we must, we could ban all out-of-state plates for the duration of the emergency. (I personally hate this idea, but we’re all under stay-at-home orders anyway.)
• Stop promoting the parks. Say they’re open when asked but don’t over-promote.

Bottom Line

Look, last weekend was an embarrassment. It showed that many people don’t care or don’t believe in the dangers of coronavirus. It showed that the leadership wasn’t thinking deeply about the results of promoting our parks as free and open combined with warm spring weather. They didn’t take cues from our National Parks and other states. Then when things got out of control on Saturday, the system wasn’t nimble enough to correct for Sunday. I’m a big supporter of the parks and the DNR, I get that they’re overwhelmed too, but this weekend was a disappointment.

If we don’t make changes, it’s clear that each warm, sunny day will result in the same sh##s###, (Well, you know that word that our Lt. Gov used) I hope something was learned here. More importantly, I hope the people who were undoubtedly exposed to COVID this weekend in our parks don’t get sick, or worse.

You’ve got a few days to make adjustments. Let’s not do this again.