Originally published as: Keep Tampa Bay Parks Open So People Have Room to Roam in the Tampa Bay Times.
Local leaders in the Tampa Bay area have taken seriously the need to maintain social distancing, and their actions have helped limit COVID-19 infections in our region. But even those sheltering in place need fresh air and exercise. Access to open space is a critical resource at this moment, especially for urban residents, who must be able to get outside while maintaining social distance. Keeping parks open, even in a limited fashion, and converting underused roadways to bike/pedestrian trails is a fast and easy solution to ensure that open space is available to everyone.