Park closures raise concerns

Some have questioned the recent closure of New Mexico’s state parks through April 9, especially when visitors to those parks would be outdoors and can easily practice “social distancing” during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Quay County and Tucumcari see considerable traffic to two state parks — Conchas Lake State Park just across the San Miguel County line and Ute Lake State Park in Logan.

“I know Logan is concerned about the state park closures because that affects their tourism,” Tucumcari/Quay County Chamber of Commerce director Carmen Runyan said.

A state official said the closing isn’t to protect just park users from the disease, which is at least 10 times more lethal than seasonal influenza. It’s also to protect park employees.

“We understand that closing state parks is an inconvenience for many and has a real impact on local economies across New Mexico,” Christina Cordova, public relations manager for New Mexico State Parks, stated in an email to the Quay County Sun. “However, we know this step is necessary. For every visitor to a State Park, we need staff to provide operational park management: collecting fees, cleaning facilities and campgrounds, and providing law enforcement.

“Each one of these interactions creates a new opportunity to spread the virus. The best way to stop the spread of the virus is for everyone to stay home unless it is for critical business such as getting medicine or food. That includes visiting a state park where large groups of people can congregate. We encourage all New Mexicans to stay safe, and stay home.”

Citing a need to slow the pandemic, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on March 15 directed the closure of all state parks through at least April 9.

“We know this is hard,” state parks director Christy Tafoya said after the announcement. “The outdoors provide solace and an opportunity to connect with nature at times like this. We know this will have an impact on the local community. … These are hard times, but we will get through them together.”

That didn’t stop a few people from criticizing the closures on Twitter.

“This is totally backwards reasoning,” Mark Hyams tweeted. “We need to close state parks because collecting fees isn’t social-distancing? Maybe don’t collect fees! Close the facilities, campgrounds, visitor center and buildings, but keep nature open!”

The National Park Service announced last month it would waive its entrance fees to parks that still were open during the outbreak. A few other states and towns have waived fees for their parks, as well.

Rodney D. Rhodes also suggested in a tweet to the state parks system: “Collect fees online or at fee stations.”

Warren Frost, co-owner of Annex Bar and Grill in Logan, agreed the park closings seemed to be overkill.

“To me, the state parks are one place we ought to be letting people go as long as they maintain appropriate distances,” he said. “I completely understand all the precautions they’re taking, but I’m having a hard time understanding why the state parks fit into that. It’s not like we have people gathering in a stadium or something like that.”