Will County Forest Preserve to partially reopen areas Friday

The Forest Preserve District of Will County announced it will reopen its preserve access area parking lots and boat launches on Friday due to Gov. JB Pritzker's modified stay-at-home order.

Still, all visitor centers, dog parks, latrines and water fountains will remain closed through the duration of the stay-at-home order's extension ending on May 30, according to a news release. All public programs and volunteer workdays through May 30 also remain canceled.

"Social distancing directives will apply and we would encourage the use of face masks at all times," said Ralph Schultz, the forest preserve's chief operating officer, in the release. "Our Forest Preserve Police will continue to patrol our preserves to ensure visitors adhere to the state's guidelines for their safety and the safety of others.”

Trails and preserves have remained open during the stay-at-home order. In addition, visitors cannot gather in groups larger than 10 and they will be cited by police if they do so.

Under Pritzker's modified order, state parks will begin a phased reopening under guidance from the Department of Natural Resources.

Fishing and boating in groups of no more than two people will be permitted. The district said shoreline fishing will be allowed where the activity is not prohibited by signage as long as social distancing is practiced.

The forest preserve urged residents to adopt safety measures recommended by the state including:

• Bringing alcohol-based hand sanitizer and face coverings

• Practicing social distancing by keeping at least 6 feet of distance between themselves and others

• Staying home if they feel sick or have any symptoms like fever, coughing, trouble breathing, or flu-like symptoms

• Visiting preserves alone or with members of their household

• Visiting the preserves closest to where they live

• Moving to another area if they see a crowd forming at a preserve

• Covering their cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing it in the trash

The district emphasized residents should take the guidance seriously.

“In the best interests of everyone, stay close to home,” Schultz said in the release. "Be close to those who need you the most and try to appreciate the nature that exists all around you. We will reopen all of our visitor centers and dog parks as soon as state and health officials deem your risk of infection from COVID-19 has subsided."

For more information about the Forest Preserve District of Will County, call 815-727-8700 or go to reconnectwithnature.org.