Conservation, health departments issue park operation updates

     Jones County Conservation’s highest priority is the health and well-being of visitors, volunteers and employees. Here are a few updates to park operations during the COVID-19 health emergency, which are also endorsed by the Jones County Board of Health and Jones County Public Health.

     • All parks and wildlife areas remain open.

     • All pit latrines will be closed and not re-opened until at least April 30. This means no restrooms will be available in Jones County parks through that date.

     • Amenities will not be available in the campground until at least April 15. Camping is only possible with self-contained (enclosed) campers that have their own bathrooms.

     • Shelters and camping cabins will be closed until at least April 30.

     • Use of playgrounds is not recommended since they will not be able to be cleaned according to CDC guidelines by park staff. User discretion is advised.

     • All naturalist activities have been cancelled through at least April 30.

     In addition, please abide by state and local health department recommendations to limit your group to less than 10 people when visiting a county park or wildlife area. Follow social distancing guidelines when encountering other visitors. If you have been sick in the last two weeks, please stay at home for your health and the safety of others. Visitors should bring their own hand sanitizer, as no soap or sanitizer will be available in the park.

     Please visit the Jones County Public Health website at https://www.jonescountyiowa.org/covid19-resources to learn more. Jones County Conservation updates will continue to be placed on its website and Facebook pages.

     More information can also be found at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus. A public hotline has also been established for Iowans with questions about COVID-19. It is available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1 or 1-800-244-7431.