Contribute news or contact us by sending an email to: RCTonline@gmail.com

Saturday, May 2, 2020

Bike Path

Good news from Bear Lake! The bike/walking path extension has almost reached the Ideal Beach Resort. It should be ready for your visit this summer!


Bear Lake State Parks

RENDEZVOUS BEACH is now open!

We have opened our Rendezvous Beach facilities today after a long winter.

The Day Use Beach, Birch campground, and Cottonwood campground are open.

We do not recommend using the launch ramp as the lake's current water level is below the end of the concrete launch ramp.

We do ask that you practice appropriate social distancing protocols by:
  • Keeping your group to 10 or less people (only 8 people are allowed per campsite);
  • Keeping at least 6 feet away from other people who are not in your immediate family/group; and,
  • Washing hands frequently.

Morning Sun

Photo by Gary McKee

Library to open

The  Garden City Library will have a "soft" re-opening, Monday, May 4th. What does this mean? We will be open during our regular hours, the children's area can be accessed by adults, no more than 10 people in the library at a time, maintain six foot distances, no lingering.

If you have a fever or flu symptoms - STAY HOME, and we will continue to serve you curbside for our "at risk" patrons. We will post a full list of our safety measures on the door and update them as we progress into summer.
Garden City Library. Reading at the Lake

Friday, May 1, 2020

Utah State Parks

New Guidelines Implemented at Utah State Parks to Address High Visitation

SALT LAKE CITY (April 29, 2020)  — Following an announcement made last week by Governor Gary R. Herbert, most of Utah’s 44 state parks were opened to all visitors, with some limitations in areas where local health orders are in place. 

After a very busy weekend at some Utah state parks — especially those in the St. George area — we have received many questions regarding long wait times and visitor capacity. As a result, Utah State Parks has now implemented some temporary guidelines to address these concerns. 

“We’re committed to maintaining the health and wellness of our staff and visitors. After last weekend, it’s evident that a few changes are necessary to increase safety and social distancing at our busiest parks,” said Jeff Rasmussen, director of the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation. “We all play a role in keeping each other safe and healthy. We hope these changes contribute to a better visitor experience, and we ask those coming to state parks to do their part and practice responsible recreation.”

To help keep state parks operating efficiently while continuing to promote adequate social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, Utah State Parks will be undergoing some temporary operational changes.
  • Visitor capacity at high visitation parks will be reduced and will now be determined by the number of developed parking spaces available inside the park.
  • State Parks will partner with local law enforcement and the Utah Highway Patrol to enforce highway parking restrictions at select parks in southern Utah.
  • Primitive camping will be closed or reduced at high traffic parks. This allows visitors more room to spread apart and practice social distancing. 
  • Increased law enforcement and staff presence will be added inside the parks to encourage social distancing and responsible recreation compliance.
  • Park managers will update capacity estimates on their individual park social media pages and websites throughout the weekend.
Outdoor recreation is important to the health and wellness of Utahns and we all play a part in keeping one another safe. While outdoors, we cannot relax our efforts to practice safe social distancing and #ResponsibleRecreation. Visitors are encouraged to:
  • Check park conditions online and individual state park social media accounts. Extensive wait times, closures, and other updates will be posted there. 
  • Choose to visit a state park during a weekday, or during non-peak hours whenever possible. Visit parks that are close to home.
  • Practice safe social distancing. Give others at least six-feet of separation on trails, golf courses, fishing docks, overlooks, and other gathering areas. 
  • Avoid congregating at trailheads and other common areas, and maintain small group sizes.
  • Stay home if you're sick, or have symptoms of the coronavirus.
  • Keep parks and recreation areas clean by packing out what you pack in, and respect facility closures like visitor centers, campgrounds, and restrooms.
  • Visitors can also prepay for day use at select state parks at stateparks.utah.gov


----

- Devan Chavez
Utah State Parks
Public Affairs & Communication 
1594 W. North Temple, Suite 116
Salt Lake City, Utah  84114-6001