In an April 28 news release, Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure and the Northampton County Department of Parks and Recreation announced the May 1 reopening of the county’s parks.

The parks closed April 7 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We never wanted to close the parks but felt it was necessary to protect public health as cases in our area were expected to peak between April 9 and 15,” McClure said. “As our society begins to reopen, we encourage our residents to enjoy the county’s parks, but please do so safely and continue to follow Gov. Tom Wolf’s guidelines for social distancing.”

The community gardens at Louise W. Moore County Park and the Diefenderfer Tract also opened May 1.

Facilities including pavilions, playgrounds and restrooms remain closed until further notice. Any person who reserved a pavilion during the mandated social-distancing procedures will be refunded.

Research has shown that being outdoors has a benefit to mental and social health, McClure said, adding Northampton County’s outdoor areas are invaluable assets that will help assist in recovery.