As the weather gets nicer, people are starting to think about spending more time outdoors, especially since the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak began, which is keeping lots of people at home.

Greene County Conservation Director Dan Towers says COVID-19 has had a slight impact on his department. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio with the expansion of Governor Kim Reynolds public health emergency proclamation, all campgrounds and playgrounds are now closed. Additionally, all shelter houses at the county parks are closed at this time, and the shower houses at Spring Lake Park do not open until May 15th, but will remain closed until further notice. Towers notes the nature of the jobs his employees have are largely independent already, so no one has had to make any adjustments due to COVID-19.

Towers points out he has seen several people take advantage of the amenities at Spring Lake Park.

“People driving around, a lot of people on their bikes, walking, pushing their kids in strollers, frisbee golf course has been busy. I think just a lot of people are showing the effects of ‘cabin fever’ and need some place to go to be outdoors and we’re seeing more than we would at this time of year.”

Towers adds the Raccoon River Valley Trail is also open and is a recreation option for people. He reminds everyone, you must have a trail pass to use it. A daily pass is $2 or a seasonal pass is $10. Contact the Greene County Recorder’s Office for a trail pass. Towers says no motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail.