Social Distancing on Trails and Open Spaces During COVID-19

Social Distancing on Trails and Open Spaces During COVID-19 title=
Social Distancing on Trails and Open Spaces During COVID-19
COVID-19
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Source: City of Goleta

The City of Goleta is fortunate to have beautiful outdoor spaces that are providing places for our community members to get much needed mental and physical breaks. during the Stay at Home Order.  However, it’s important that our community practice social distancing even while using the City’s trails and open spaces.

Please follow important guidelines from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) below, and visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

  • Refrain from using parks or trails if you are exhibiting symptoms.
  • Follow the CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to and during use of parks or trails.
  • Prepare for limited access to public restrooms or water fountains.
  • While on trails, warn other users of your presence as you pass, and step aside to let others pass.
  • Observe CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of 6 feet from other individuals at all times. If this is not possible, users should find an alternate location or depart that space.
  • Consult local and state ordinances and guidelines for the most up to date recommendations on park and trail use.

As a reminder, to prevent further spread of COVID-19, access to the City’s play structures, exercise equipment and skatepark are prohibited.

The Stay at Home Order for California issued by Governor Newsom last week urges people to stay home as much as possible. People can go out for essential needs such as food, healthcare needs, caring for a relative or friend, and to get fresh air by going for a walk, run, or bike ride alone or with those you live with. Learn more about the Stay at Home Order here.

Outdoor areas are needed now more than ever to help us get through this time of uncertainty. Staff is working hard to maintain these spaces and keep them safe, accessible, and benefiting our communities during these challenging times. We are asking everyone do their part to use these areas in a way that respects each other and follows public health guidance. 

Learn more about how the City of Goleta is responding to COVID-19 at www.CityofGoleta.org. Please also visit the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department information portal for the latest information.

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gnusman
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Apr 08, 2020 10:28 AM
Social Distancing on Trails and Open Spaces During COVID-19

Our local Sierra Club's front page says "NATURE IS OPEN" and it is, despite parks and beaches and some campgrounds and trails. We are lucky to have a vast network of trails. To keep apprised and find links to what's open and not, check out the latest issue of Condor Call, the Los Padres Chapter's bi-monthly newspaper. Here's the link, enjoy: https://tinyurl.com/CondorCallAprilMay2020

a-1594133076
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Apr 08, 2020 09:18 AM
Social Distancing on Trails and Open Spaces During COVID-19

If a person has no idea that they have the Wuhan Virus, and cough/gag/spew 10/30/50 yards upwind of you, it's unlikely, but entirely possible that you could become infected. Stay away people. Turning your heads while passing each other isn't going to cut it and some of you WILL become infected. This is not best practice. God have mercy on those of you who do not listen, and may God help us who get this ugly thing from "social distancers" who are not following the guidelines just to fulfill their selfish desires and "needs."

a-1594133076
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Apr 08, 2020 10:36 AM
Social Distancing on Trails and Open Spaces During COVID-19

PM: Brush fires are named after the places they originated, same with diseases, etc. You call it poe-tay-toe, I call it Wuhan Virus (although it goes by several other names). For example, my super-smart friend was telling me about the Quercus agrifolia in their back yard and I had no idea that they were talking about an oak tree (a California Live Oak tree to be specific). In the end we all know what we're talking about. Stay at home, and stay safe, but above all else, let's get along with one another during these trying times without lashing out over the trivial non-important stuff. It's a beautiful day indeed. Namaste.

sacjon
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Apr 08, 2020 10:22 AM
Social Distancing on Trails and Open Spaces During COVID-19

9:18 - "Selfish needs?" Do you have kids? Do you have any idea how important it is for the human mind, both young and old, to get outdoors and get fresh air? And the whole 50 yards away thing is unfounded and irresponsible. You are not going to get it from a cough 50 yards away, even if the wind blows directly at you. Air particles (and moisture droplets) disperse quickly. They're not going to catch a ride on the wind directly into your face. That is absurd and has never once been suggested. If that were truly a concern, then people wouldn't be allowed to even go outside and get their mail. Heck, most peoples' mailboxes are less than 50 yards apart (closer to 10 in most places). I'll be outside again today, letting my kids run in the grass and breath fresh clean air, while keeping beyond even shouting distance from others. ALSO, it's not called the "Wuhan Virus".

a-1594133076
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Apr 08, 2020 08:59 AM
Social Distancing on Trails and Open Spaces During COVID-19

8:51 - I've found the same almost everywhere I go outdoors in SB/Goleta. It really is so easy to do this, I'm happy so many others are realizing it's possible to be outside and have fun still.

a-1594133076
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Apr 07, 2020 03:18 PM
Social Distancing on Trails and Open Spaces During COVID-19

The mountain roads are now seeing many more walkers, runners, bicyclists, skateboarders, etc, due to people seeking exercise while physical distancing. I live on one of these popular mountain roads. One of these “outdoor enthusiasts” left the roadway & came onto our property to relieve themselves on the ground next to our Marborg bins. The tank top placement drew my attention to it. Very disrespectful, disgusting, & puts my family & pets at risk. Please, people, think of others & use some discretion while tending to your health & fitness.

asitis
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Apr 07, 2020 02:56 PM
Social Distancing on Trails and Open Spaces During COVID-19

I saw this in the news somewhere else but it really rang true to me: Staying at home during this crisis is a simple sacrifice to make, compared to what our parents or grandparents did during WWII. So folks— I think we can handle this...

a-1594133076
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Apr 07, 2020 02:42 PM
Social Distancing on Trails and Open Spaces During COVID-19

I love it when it rains, and give me a "breather" from worrying about covids "jumping" on me from God only knows where. I have not heard anything about seafood being affected by this covid business. I probably won't eat any seafood for a while (maybe the frozen Mrs. Pauls or Gorton's fish sticks would be covid-free). I had a Jack in the Box fish sandwich (combo, w/fries and drink) a few days ago, and it was reallllly good and quite filling.

sacjon
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Apr 07, 2020 03:29 PM
Social Distancing on Trails and Open Spaces During COVID-19

3:19 - Exactly! At parks, I've eaten all manner of snack, local and domestic, including and not limited to the following: chips (potato AND corn, but not tortilla), corned nuts, corned beef, meats on sticks, meat (and some veggie "meat") on buns as well, also turkey. I've also enjoyed different beverages, such as, juice in a box, milk, water, various soda varieties, juice in a bottle (sometimes mixed juices), non alcoholic (and yes alcoholic) beers, sometimes also tea. Don't get me started on what I eat at beaches.........

a-1594133076
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Apr 07, 2020 03:19 PM
Social Distancing on Trails and Open Spaces During COVID-19

The article is about parks, trails, and open spaces, yes. For example, on weekends, we often go to East Alameda Park.....and get the most amazing home-made potato chips, incredible sno-cones, and delicious mangoes-on-a-stick. Wish I had some of them chips right about now with a cold American-style lager.

surfergirl69
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Apr 07, 2020 02:17 PM
Social Distancing on Trails and Open Spaces During COVID-19

I saw a program on NHK...Japanese TV station (in English) , that showed , with special photography, that when people are talking and breathing there is a cloud of vapor formed , mostly directly in front of them, and this cloud doesn't immediately drop to the ground. It lingers in the air. The more forcefully someone is breathing or talking, the larger the cloud and the longer it lingers in the air. So, if you see this show, or take my word for it, it should expand your idea of social distancing.

a-1594133076
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Apr 07, 2020 02:13 PM
Social Distancing on Trails and Open Spaces During COVID-19

There is NO need to close parks and beaches. I was at Girsh park on Saturday playing catch/hitting balls (whiffle and heavies) with my wife and kids and there were other individuals and groups of people (families) there too. We kept our distance (like 50 -100 yards) and easily did our thing safely. If you don't want to go outside, that is fine. But please don't force the rest of us just because you're incapable of being outdoors safely.

a-1594133076
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Apr 07, 2020 02:02 PM
Social Distancing on Trails and Open Spaces During COVID-19

Coolio - exactly, that's the problem! Too many morons out there partying and not being smart. Those of us who want to run/walk/sit on the sand will be punished now. There is so much wide open area in our town, just be smart!

Shmonk
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Apr 07, 2020 01:04 PM
Social Distancing on Trails and Open Spaces During COVID-19

I literally just said to follow safe practices and recommended guidelines, yet you feel the need to reply to everyone on this website who doesn't unequivocally recommend to stay inside at all times. Again -- no need to respond if my words don't apply. Stay safe!

PitMix
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Apr 07, 2020 12:45 PM
Social Distancing on Trails and Open Spaces During COVID-19

Just to clarify, wearing a mask has very little to do with you getting infected. Wearing a mask helps others because if you are infected, and in the early stages and asymptomatic, then the mask limits how far you are spewing droplets to infect other people. If you want to wear stuff to keep you from getting infected, you need the whole PPE outfilt- gown, faceshield or goggles, mask, and gloves. And even then it doesn't always work- just ask the health care workers that are infected.

a-1594133076
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Apr 07, 2020 12:45 PM
Social Distancing on Trails and Open Spaces During COVID-19

I like the idea that if you are walking on a sidewalk that you walk in the direction of cars so that you never have people passing you when they walk in the opposite direction. It is what they did in Morro Bay. So walk down State Street on the right sidewalk and back up on the mountain side of State St.

sacjon
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Apr 07, 2020 11:13 AM
Social Distancing on Trails and Open Spaces During COVID-19

Thank you, Goleta! You see? I've been telling many here that it is perfectly legal, safe and allowed to go outdoors. Please get outside and get some air before we're no longer able to! Go outside, have fun, but be safe and smart. It's so easy to do this!

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