Reopening Washington hiking, fishing and golf signals greater trust. Let’s not blow it
The South Sound’s historic stretch of dry April weather brought a spirit-lifting reprieve during a coronavirus-plagued year. It also offered a glimpse of what’s ahead, as daylight hours lengthen and spring turns the corner toward summer.
Gov. Jay Inslee added to the air of hopefulness Monday, identifying outdoor recreation as the next phase of public life to be gradually released from a statewide COVID-19 lockdown.
Circle May 5 as the day that fishing, hunting, golf and access to state-managed public lands will resume, on a limited basis. Stir-crazy Washingtonians might view it as a consolation prize, since Inslee seems likely to extend his stay-home order now tentatively set to expire May 4.
Experienced hikers know the 10 essentials they should always carry. Add a couple more items to the list for the coronavirus era: hand sanitizer and a face mask.
Any adventurer familiar with Northwest rain and mountain snow also knows to stay flexible. “If this virus were to spring back, we might have to roll back some of these measures again, which is why we have to stay disciplined in how we enjoy the great outdoors,” Inslee told reporters Monday.
The way to do this is by participating in activities only with members of your household. Keep six feet away from strangers and keep moving; don’t loiter on trails, state parks or beaches. Don’t stay overnight. And don’t drive long distances to get to your recreation destination.
Inslee is clearly still conflicted about loosening restrictions. The activities themselves can be done while following social-distancing guidelines, he said in a Thursday meeting with our Editorial Board. “But what epidemiologists say is that anything that involves travel increases the possibility of physical interactions.”
Take fishing, for example. Putting a boat in the water, Inslee noted, often involves filling the gas tank, swinging inside the store for bait and a donut, and maybe stopping at your brother’s house afterward to show off the fish you caught.
We certainly agree that contacts must be reduced for Washington to keep flattening the curve of a devastating virus. But look around on any nice day and you’ll see people testing the limits of what’s already allowable — driving somewhere to walk their dog, or loading bicycles in the back of their vehicle.
At some point government officials have to trust we’ve grasped the message and will be smart about safely engaging with the outside world.
Monday’s announcement was a sign of that trust. Now it’s up to us not to blow it.
As Washington officials finalize plans to reopen the outdoors, they can learn from other states — including our neighbor directly to the south — on how to let people enjoy our shared natural surroundings in responsible ways.
Boating, fishing and golf are all allowed in Oregon, but closing down clubhouses and restaurants means no pre-tee time socializing or post-round lunches. Meantime, local jurisdictions can close golf courses and public boat ramps at their discretion.
Other precautions include removing all rakes and ball washers from Oregon golf courses, and prohibiting golfers from touching flag sticks.
We hope Monday’s news quickly trickles down to the local level, so that people won’t be discouraged from playing outside in their own communities. If family members play tennis on a high school court, or a couple takes an after-hours stroll on a public golf course, what’s the harm?
One Tacoma man told us he was asked to leave a wetland area behind Tacoma Community College, normally accessible to dog walkers and others seeking urban refuge.
Actions like these don’t serve the public need for fresh air and exercise during exceptionally difficult times. And face it, city dwellers have fewer options, especially residents of low-income neighborhoods.
When Inslee issued his stay-home order March 23, he acknowledged the value of spending time outdoors to preserve one’s physical and mental health. Five weeks later, with more than 14 hours of daylight teasing Washingtonians to come out and play, that’s never been more important.
This story was originally published April 27, 2020 at 7:30 PM.