As spring approaches summer and the weather turns balmy, people’s thoughts might turn to exploring the various preserves of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, or Midpen. Acres of grassland carpeted with wildflowers including California poppies hold an enduring appeal, but local residents have to be vigilant due to the restrictions in place because of COVID-19.Mi

“Midpen feels very strongly that the preserves stay open as far as possible to provide respite for area residents where they can do essential outdoor activities,” said Midpen’s public affairs specialist Leigh Ann Gessner. “Not everybody has a backyard or feels safe strolling in their neighborhoods. That is why Midpen is trying to keep some spaces open. Nevertheless, health concerns in terms of coronavirus are paramount.”

Midpen has made a major effort to keep the parks safe during the pandemic. Some trailheads are closed, and loop trails are now one way only. Maps are no longer available onsite and must be downloaded from Midpen’s website.

At West Valley open spaces including Sierra Azul, El Sereno and Saratoga Gap, the trails are temporarily closed to bicycles and horses. At Rancho San Antonio in Cupertino, some parking lots have been closed to prevent overcrowding. At Pichetti Ranch, in Cupertino near the Sunnyvale border, all picnic areas are closed.

Some outdoor enthusiasts may not always follow rules. According to Gessner, on a recent weekend the parking lot at Fremont Older Nature Preserve was full, and a crowd of people parked on neighborhood streets in nearby Saratoga, causing chaos.

“If this continues, we may have to end up closing all the preserves,” she said.

Gessner said residents should stretch their legs in their own neighborhoods if possible, or visit the preserve nearest them. If the parking lot is full, she said, go home and visit another day; don’t park on residential streets.

Visitors should practice social distancing in the preserves’ parking lots and on the trails, and should wear face masks.

“If folks could follow all the rules, that would be ideal,” Gessner said.

Allan Newlands, a retired business owner in Sunnyvale, was one of the earliest champions of Midpen, helping place a measure on the ballot to create the open space district. Still, he agrees with Gessner that residents should exercise close to home during the pandemic.

“Walk around in your neighborhood and get a great view of the hills and trees,” Newlands said. “It can be a very satisfying experience.”

Midpen is updating restrictions on the use of its preserves as local governments adapt to the pandemic’s changing landscape.

“We are following closely the recommendations of the county health officers for both Santa Clara and San Mateo counties,” Gessner said.

For more information, visit https://www.openspace.org.