The Iowa Department of Natural Resources, along with Governor Kim Reynolds, announced further COVID-19 related closures, which now includes campgrounds until April 30th. The DNR allowed state parks to uphold their reservations during the initial closures of public restrooms and pit latrines, but now refunds will be given to campers instead. Executive Director Zach Rozmus never imagined having to barricade the campgrounds, but he knew it was the best decision to keep everyone healthy. Rozmus tells KCII News even though the campgrounds are closed, there are ways to continue to enjoy the open areas at local parks, “Although our campground and anything that’s really public access for as far as facilities goes, whether that be our shelters or restrooms, we have completely locked those down. But we still have expansive trails that are still open at this time. Any open area recreation is still being encouraged. I would encourage people to go out and fish. Go on the trails but also keep in mind, even though you’re going with your family members, you still need to maintain that social distance where you’re limiting access between one another. You can go out on the trails and can still social distance yourself and do that in a proper way where you can still enjoy this time of the year. And although the circumstances are a little bit out of the ordinary you can definitely still get out to the properties that we manage.”  Rozmus says state trails reported a 200 percent increase in usage over the past few weeks. Marr Park had 10 occupants when the campground closures were announced, and they were offered reimbursements.