Cue the David Bowie because there are almost daily “Ch-ch-changes.” And these quarantine days, changes mean more and more closures for area parks and recreation facilites. Here’s the latest updates from our Tri-State area state parks, forests and natural resource areas and what is closed and open in regional cities.

HUNTINGTON 

The Greater Huntington Park and Recreation District has closed Rotary Park, McClelland Park, Altizer Park and the Ritter Park Amphitheater.

Note that the walking path at Ritter and Memorial Parks (the path running west from Ritter) are open, with strict social distancing — maintaining a distance of six feet or more from people.

ASHLAND 

Central Park is closed but the sidewalk around the park and Ashland’s Riverfront Park are open for walking.

OTHER CITIES

Barboursville, Hurricane and Charleston have closed their public parks as have the Kanawha County Parks and Recreation District. 

WEST VIRGINIA

Here’s the latest from WV State Parks and Forests *policies updated on Monday, March 30.

• All park lodges, cabins and campgrounds are closed
• New camping reservations have been suspended at least through April 30
• All restrooms are closed
• All lodge services have been suspended
• Park restaurants have been closed. Curbside and carryout services are not available
• Spa services at Berkeley Springs State Park have been suspended
• Nature centers and museums are closed
• The walkway to the falls at Blackwater Falls State Park and the overlook at Coopers Rock State Forest have been temporarily closed.
• Special events have been cancelled through April 30 or postponed to a later date. View our event calendar for more information

To modify an existing lodge or cabin reservation, call 1-833-WVPARKS.

WHAT IS OPEN?

Day-use areas remain open for public use, so take a hike, bike a mountain trail, fish in an open stream or simply escape to your nearest park for a little relaxation during these trying times.

Safety remains the top priority for West Virginia’s state parks and forests. We have stepped up cleaning protocols, placed hand sanitizer throughout all facilities and are deep cleaning all facilities after use. We also are implementing all recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources to protect visitors and employees from COVID-19 and prevent its spread.

MORE INFO

For the most up-to-date information, utilize the following resources:

West Virginia-specific information: Call the toll-free hotline 1-800-887-4304 or visit www.coronavirus.wv.gov

KENTUCKY STATE PARKS

As of March 30, 2020, here’s what’s open and what has changed:

• Food services will be limited to carry out at most parks. No seating will be available in the dining rooms at the parks 17 restaurants. Lounges and bars are closed. The restaurant at Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park is closed.
• Group events are cancelled through April 30.
• Park events scheduled through April 30 have been cancelled or postponed. Patrons should check with individual parks to find out about park services and hours.
• Historic homes, museums and gift shops are closed for the time being. Park grounds are open for hiking, picnicking and exploring. Tours of homes are also suspended at this time as well as tours of the two pioneer forts at Fort Boonesborough and Old Fort Harrod state parks.
• All state park playgrounds are closed.

WHAT IS OPEN

• All 17 lodges and cottages remain open. Housekeeping services will be limited during this time as a precaution for guests and employees.
• All state park campgrounds, marinas and hiking trails remain open to the public. Any guest wishing to cancel campground reservations between now and May 15, 2020 needs to call Reserve America at (888) 459-7275.
• State park golf courses are open. However, golf courses have taken precautions during the outbreak. Those steps include such things as closing pro shops to drive thru service only, halting the use of carts after March 31 except for ADA guests and spacing tee times 20 minutes apart.  The golf courses have removed bunker rakes, and made modifications to the flagsticks to help eliminate the spreading of the virus.
• Some boat ramps operated by the U.S. Corps of Engineers may be closed. Please check by visiting corps websites: Huntington District

FOR MORE INFO

If you’re planning to visit a Kentucky State Park, we suggest you call in advance to check on hours and what’s open.

For more about the coronavirus in Kentucky, visit www.KYCovid19.ky.gov

OHIO

WHAT IS OPEN

As of right now, public outdoor spaces at Ohio state parks, wildlife areas, forests and nature preserves remain open, including trails, dog parks, and non-marina docks with a few exceptions including” Magee Marsh Wildlife Area is close and the boardwalk trail at Maumee Bay State Park is closed

WHAT IS CLOSED

Other facilities including lodges, campgrounds, cabins, golf courses, restrooms, shower houses, playgrounds, APV areas, horse camps, and state park marina buildings are closed. For customers with reservations for camping or state operated cabins, you will be contacted if your reservation will need to be cancelled. Cancellations will be done automatically, and you will be given a full refund. If you would prefer to transfer your reservation to a later date, please login to your account on the parks reservation system and modify your existing reservation or call our reservation call center at 866-644-6727.

Modifying or Cancelling your Reservation

To modify or cancel day use facility, state park campground or state park cabin reservations, please visit www.reserveohio.com or call 866-644-6727. Ohio State Parks offers free transfers of reservations to a later date or refunds for reservations between 3/17/20 and 5/15/20.

FOR MORE INFO

Staff is available by phone and email to respond to questions regarding local facilities, as well as current and new reservations. Visit ohiostateparks.org to find the park office number for each park.

Division of Forestry Offices

All Division of Forestry office locations and state forest office sites, including the Mohican-Memorial Shrine are closed to the public until further notice. For more information visit forestry.ohiodnr.gov or call 1-877-247-8733.