Editorial: Keeping public spaces open in a time of outbreaks

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • April 13, 2020

Acadia National Park has been closed, as are 10 coastal state parks in southern and midcoast Maine. Beaches in Saco, Old Orchard, Biddeford, Kennebunk, Wells, Ogunquit and Kittery had to be shut down. Vaughn Woods in Hallowell was closed because visitors were not staying at least 6 feet from each other. South Portland is considering closing three popular outdoor spaces. That’s not good for our personal health, or for our collective sanity. Mainers need to plan to make sure public spaces stay open. Will it require that the number of people allowed into parks and beaches is limited? Can they be properly spaced out? Should masks be required?