TWO COUNTY PARKS IN EAST COUNTY CLOSE FOR AUGUST DUE TO HIGH HEAT

by ECM | August 7, 2024 6:39 pm

Photo: El Capitan County Preserve

By Shauni Lyles[1], County of San Diego Communications Office

August 7, 2024 (San Diego’s East County)– Due to triple-digit temperatures, two County parks will be closed for the month of August. They are El Capitan County Preserve[2] in Lakeside and Mt. Gower County Preserve[3] in Ramona.

These locations have difficult trails that end in isolated areas. They also offer very limited shade which can lead to dangerous conditions during major heat events. They join two desert parks that are already closed for the summer due to extreme heat: Vallecito[4] and Agua Caliente[5] County Parks.

Closing parks is always a last resort, but it is done to reduce heat-related incidents like heat exhaustion and heat stroke[6].

“When we close park gates, it’s to reduce health risks and related injuries caused by severe weather events – for guests as well as for our own team members who are called to assist in emergency situations,” said Brian Albright, director of the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation.

The closures also provide County Parks and Recreation staff an opportunity to conduct needed maintenance including trail restoration. This work is done in the early morning or evening while it is cooler.

The County will continue to work safely to improve your park experience and look forward to welcoming you back to El Capitan and Mt. Gower County Preserves in September.

There are more than 100 other County parks and preserves to explore during the month of August – like Waterfront Park and its new active recreation area[7]. It’s open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

If it is really hot, consider staying home or plan your next hike by taking one of these virtual tours[8] of some of the County’s most popular trails.

If you do go out for a hike, be smart about it! Here are some safety tips to consider:

Let someone know where you will be and when you plan to return.
Hike with others, never alone.
Leave your dog at home [9]for difficult hikes. Even “easy” hikes may be too much for your dog when the air or ground are too hot.
Take plenty of water to stay hydrated. Rangers recommend[10] one liter (about a quart) for every 2 to 3 miles.
Wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
Take breaks in shade, if possible.
Take a fully charged mobile phone, map and/or GPS.
Wear lightweight, light-colored, ventilated clothing.
Bring along a warm jacket if you plan to stay out after dusk.
Wear sturdy shoes with traction for slippery rocks.
Follow all posted safety rules.
Bring ample food, sunscreen to reapply, a flashlight, first aid kit, multi-purpose tool and a whistle.
Know your limitations; choose trails that match your level of physical fitness and areas where you are not going to get lost.

For additional information on visiting County Parks, visit sdparks.org[11].

Endnotes:

Shauni Lyles: https://www.countynewscenter.com/author/slyles/
El Capitan County Preserve: https://www.sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/park-pages/ElCapitan.html
Mt. Gower County Preserve: https://www.sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/park-pages/MtGower.html
Vallecito: https://www.sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/park-pages/Vallecito.html
Agua Caliente: https://www.sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/park-pages/AguaCaliente.html
heat stroke: https://www.countynewscenter.com/what-to-do-if-youre-suffering-from-heat-stroke-exhaustion/
new active recreation area: https://www.countynewscenter.com/active-recreation-area-opens-at-waterfront-park/
virtual tours: https://www.countynewscenter.com/tag/virtual-hike/
Leave your dog at home : https://www.countynewscenter.com/6-trail-tips-for-hiking-with-fido/
Rangers recommend: https://www.countynewscenter.com/hiking-on-hot-days/
sdparks.org: https://www.sdparks.org/

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