Professional and Career Topics

Phased Reopening of public parks is happening in some places across the United States. 

In some cases, the lack of people at parks due to the COVID-19 pandemic has allowed nature to thrive:
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/may/21/wildlife-national-parks-covid-19-shutdown-death-valley

On the other hand, an article entitled "Infrastructure Solutions: Public Parks Meet Community Needs" in Civil Engineering Magazine by Catherine A. Cardno, PH.D notes the following. "If there has been any silver lining around the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been that more people have rediscovered the parks, trails, and other natural areas near their homes and have taken advantage of all the physical and mental health benefits associated with spending time in nature." https://www.asce.org/cemagazine/public-parks/

That said, what are your ideas to protect our public parks as we resume visits to our public parks?

Thank you for your time,
Jameelah

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Jameelah Ingram, P.E., M.ASCE
Washington, D.C.
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I think one of the most important things is finding ways to teach "park etiquette" to those that may be venturing out to the parks in large numbers for the first time.
That information could come from multiple sources (park social media, postings, fellow hikers/visitors)

For those of us that have been long-time park goers, it is important that we don't assume everyone knows the best ways to enjoy the park. I've seen some people on hiking pages being rude about people not following trail etiquette, feeding animals, etc.
Maybe instead of responding with irritation, we can use this opportunity to invite others to learn.

Even though that isn't directly related to civil engineering, we are supposed to be lifelong learners and protectors of the natural environment. In a way, helping others enjoy the outdoors is aligned with some of our core values as a civil engineering community.

I'm interested to see if anyone has specific ideas on how we can help educate others on protecting our parks.

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Heidi Wallace EI,P.E.,M.ASCE
P.E.
Tulsa OK
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