Outdoor activities to do in Clark County this weekend while social distancing

Lisa Freeman, left, and Kelly Hemmann enjoy lunch at one the outdoor dinning spots along Fountain Avenue that were created with the new parking garage. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Lisa Freeman, left, and Kelly Hemmann enjoy lunch at one the outdoor dinning spots along Fountain Avenue that were created with the new parking garage. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

As the warm weather continues, health officials are encouraging social distancing to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19.

Last week, Charles Patterson, the Clark County Combined Health District Commissioner, warned that Clark County is still not at the peak of the coronavirus pandemic curve and that the county is seeing a surge in cases.

Patterson said he’s not asking residents, “not to have fun,” but instead asking everyone to be mindful of remaining six feet apart and wearing a mask in public when possible to keep the virus from traveling.

Here is a list of outdoor activities residents can do while practicing social distancing:

1. Visit local parks and trails

The Clark County Park District and the National Trail Parks & Recreation District has many parks and trails that remain open. Residents can ride bikes, walk, run, fish, rock climb or bird watch.

Parks

George Rogers Clark Park, 936 S. Tecumseh Road in Springfield.

Mad River Gorge and Nature Preserve, 2710 Dayton-Springfield Road in Springfield.

Old Reid Park, 1636 Pumphouse Road in Springfield.

Rebert Pike Nature Park, 1696 Rebert Pike in Springfield.

Trails

Buck Creek Trail, 2630 Croft Road in Springfield.

Little Miami Scenic Trail, 3200 Springfield-Xenia Road in Springfield.

Praire Grass Trail, 147 Mound St. in South Charleston.

Simon Kenton Trail, 80 Villa Road in Springfield.

This is not a comprehensive list of all parks and trails in Clark County.

2. Order carryout and eat outside

If you do not want to eat inside restaurants yet, many local eateries are continuing to offer carryout options. In downtown Springfield, a new outdoor seating area is available at the parking garage where residents can bring food and have a small picnic.

3. Visit Young’s Jersey Dairy

Udders & Putters is now open at Young’s Jersey Dairy 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Individuals can visit the batting cages, driving range or miniature golf courses.

4. Take pictures in front of Springfield murals

Downtown Springfield has two large murals residents can visit to test their photography skills.

The Rose City Mural on the side of the Starrett and Fried building at 10 E. Main St. next to the Bushnell Building is blooming with roses.

The Greetings from Springfield Mural is accompanied by a pocket park on North Fountain Ave. between Sip & Dipity Paint Bar and Stella Bleu Bistro.

5. Plant a garden

Gardening is a family activity that individuals can do at home. If you have limited space in your backyard, a garden box for your porch is a substitute. In Clark County, residents can buy flowers at Meadow View Growers, 755 North Dayton-Lakeview Road in New Carlisle.

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READ: Residents in their 20s make up largest group of Clark County coronavirus cases

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