Coronavirus in Pa.: York County park use modified through April 6

York County parks are a little less accessible through April 6.

After initially closing their gates, parks officials have opened them to keep more in line with what the state parks are doing.

"We ask that park users enjoy our spaces cautiously and practice safe distances of at least 6 feet and do not congregate in large groups of more than 10 people," a York County Parks tweet said Saturday afternoon.

The tweet thread continued, warning people that if large gatherings persist, the gates will be closed.

"If a parking area is busy, consider another area," the tweet thread said.

Bathrooms are locked and the following have happened:

• John Rudy Park administrative office is closed to public walk-ins.
• Nixon Park Nature Center is closed.
• All activities with 10 or more people have been canceled through April, including pavilion rentals and closure of all soccer and softball fields.
• All playgrounds are closed. 
• Nature Play areas at Nixon Park and Rocky Ridge are closed.
• The rear parking lot at John Rudy, including Canine Meadows, is closed.

Hiking trails remain open, but parking is limited.

York County was among nine new counties added to the "stay-at-home" list Friday by Gov. Tom Wolf in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.

More:Pa. coronavirus hospitalizations spike sharply up to 170; at least 32 needed ventilator

More:Coronavirus in Pa.: This is why WellSpan COVID-19 test results are delayed

Nonessential travel is not allowed through April 6. But residents are encouraged to get outside and walk.

If county residents want to do that outside of their neighborhoods, they can turn to the rail trail, or one of the state parks -- Gifford S. Pinchot, Samuel S. Lewis or Codorus. 

[ The York Daily Record's coverage of coronavirus is being provided for free to our readers. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing at ydr.com/subscribe. ]

Park and forest offices and visitor centers, restrooms, campgrounds and public programs are closed until April 30. Hiking trails, lakes, roads and parking lots remain open.

Shelly Stallsmith is a trends reporter for the York Daily Record. She can be reached at mstallsmith@ydr.com or followed on Twitter at @ShelStallsmith.