COLUMBUS, Ohio – In response to the developing public health situation with COVID-19 and the Ohio Department of Health’s (ODH) guidance, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has closed the visitor centers at the following locations and they will remain closed until further notice:

• Hocking Hills State Park Visitor Center (Hocking County)

• Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve Visitor Center (Erie County)

Old Woman Creek and Hocking Hills State Park will remain open to the public, along with public restrooms at each property.

Additionally, ODNR has suspended all naturalist programs and closed nature centers at our parks statewide until further notice.

For more information on COVID-19 and ODH’s recommendations on prevention and preparation, please visit coronavirus.ohio.gov.

Statement on the Status of Ohio State Parks

This situation is evolving quickly, but as of right now, unless otherwise specified, ODNR properties are open to the public. We are closely monitoring the situation and will make any changes that the conditions warrant. We will update the media and the public should any of our properties close unexpectedly.

____

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.

-30-

For more information, contact:
Sarah Wickham, ODNR Communications
(614) 265-6860