ROCHESTER, Minn. – In early June 2020, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz loosened restrictions as part of the Stay Safe MN plan to allow for more outdoor activities if proper physical distancing guidance can be followed. To that end, the Olmsted County Parks department is pleased to announce that the Chester Woods Beach and beach house will reopen on Saturday, June 13, 2020; daily hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Physical distancing (six-feet of distance between you and individuals that are not part of your immediate household) is a high priority for beach-goers and masks are recommended, especially inside the beach house.
“Last month we communicated that we were following state guidance and that the Chester Woods Beach and beach house would be closed all summer,” stated Olmsted County Park Superintendent Karlin Ziegler. “Because many outdoor activity restrictions have been lifted, we’re excited to now open the beach back up to the public on Saturday. We ask people to be safe and smart at the beach to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community.”
Oxbow Parks’ Zollman Zoo will also reopen June 13; daily hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The zoo will close an hour earlier than usual, so plan your trip to the zoo accordingly. The Oxbow Park Nature Center will not be open, so restrooms in the building will not be open for use. Restrooms will be open in Oxbow Park picnic areas. Physical distancing is a high priority for all zoo visitors and masks are recommended to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to both humans and the wildcats which are susceptible to the virus.
“When visiting our parks, please plan to bring your own water, hand sanitizer, and face masks. The Olmsted County Parks department works hard to provide amenities for you but supplies and access may be limited at times,” said Ziegler. “And, for the safety of the community, please adhere to physical distancing guidance and do your part to prevent overcrowding in our parks so we can keep these areas open to the public in the future.”
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About Olmsted County
Olmsted County is the eighth largest county in the state of Minnesota with eight cities (Rochester being the largest), 18 townships and approximately 150,000 residents (2016 census data). The county is governed by seven individuals elected to serve on the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners, and county services are supported by nearly 1,300 Olmsted County government employees working to provide the foundation of a vibrant community. For more information, visit www.olmstedcounty.com.
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