The 2020 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has presented us all with many challenges when it comes to going about our daily routines with work, school, socializing and recreational activities. Now that several months have passed, many places have begun to open up again with severe limitations to protect public health.

If you’re an avid powersports rider, you may be wondering whether you can resume your off-road riding and what might be different about visiting your favorite parks. Cool Springs Powersports in Franklin is your Tennessee powersports dealer and we’re here to help. Read on to learn more about what’s open and what you can expect, in addition to how you can keep yourself and others safe while enjoying your powersports rides during the COVID-19 crisis.

Are Off-Road and State Parks Open?

All Tennessee State Parks have reopened as of fall 2020. However, there will be both occupancy and usage limits you’ll need to concern yourself with, and this will likely be the case at privately-owned parks as well, since they need to comply with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

What Should I Expect When I Go?

Certain facilities may not be open for usage, such as restrooms and food stands, so you’ll need to plan ahead accordingly. Pack food and other supplies that you’ll need and be prepared to find a restroom alternative.

Overnight accommodations such as campsites and cabins are likely available, but they will be in more limited supply to allow for sufficient cleaning between guests and the observation of proper social distancing rules.

What Do I Need To Do?

As a guest of any Tennessee State Park or off-road park, you’ll need to follow the same guidelines and stipulations as you would in any public venue during the coronavirus pandemic:

  • Wear a face mask made from at least two layers of woven cotton fabric that covers both your mouth and nose when you’re around other people. Avoid touching the mask while wearing it. Wash your hands before putting the mask on and after removing it. Wash your mask daily.
  • Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, especially after touching doors, handles and other high-touch hard surfaces. If you cannot wash your hands, carry a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content to use instead, rubbing the solution into your hands until they are dry. Wash your hands properly as soon as you can.
  • Remain at least 6’ apart from other people when standing in line or gathered outside.
  • Avoid conversing or interacting with people who are not part of your household or quarantine bubble.
  • Use bleach or alcohol wipes to sanitize your own belongings that you touch frequently, including the keys to your ATV, your handlebars, your cell phone screen and so forth.

What To Bring

When you go to an off-road park, you’ll want to make sure you have your usual powersports safety gear with you, along with some supplies to assist with distancing and hygiene:

  • Face masks for everyone in the group; bring extras if you’re staying overnight so you always have a clean mask to wear.
  • 60% alcohol content hand sanitizer.
  • Hand soap.
  • Bottled water.
  • Snacks and meals in a cooler.
  • Bleach or alcohol wipes.
  • Paper towels.
  • Plastic bags (for contaminated masks).

Additional Tips

  • Try to avoid going out during high-usage times like weekend afternoons; if you can, visit a park during its slower hours so you can avoid crowds. A high-usage time will likely have occupancy limits anyway, so make sure you check in advance to see whether a park is at capacity already for that day.
  • Be courteous to other people using the off-roading area and give them their space. Don’t crowd other people or get within 6’ of them.
  • Only visit a powersports park with the people you’re quarantined with so that you don’t unwittingly infect or become infected by friends or family members with whom you have not quarantined.
  • If you feel sick with a cough, fever, body aches or other COVID-19 symptoms, stay home and contact your doctor. Do not go riding while you are sick to avoid infecting others, even if your symptoms are mild. If you have recently recovered from COVID-19, check with your doctor to make sure you can safely enter the public again.

Seeking powersports vehicles for sale near Nashville? Browse our website to take a look at our fine selection of new and used powersports vehicles at our Franklin, TN, dealership. Cool Springs Powersports proudly serves greater Nashville as well as the cities of Spring Hill and Columbia, TN.