10 ways to get outdoors around Bradenton during coronavirus

In the time of the coronavirus, grabbing a bit of fresh air remains one of the few relatively low risk options for fun.

And luckily, outdoor reprieves come in many forms.

Many public parks and preserves remain open around Bradenton and Manatee County, and there are also plenty of ways to get outside in the safety of your own yard or neighborhood.

Before you throw open the door, though, make sure you are prepared to adventure safely.

Is it safe to go outside?

Leaving your home can increase the potential risk of catching the coronavirus, health experts say.

But when done in a way that minimizes contact with potential sources of exposure, the benefits of going outdoors may outweigh the risk for many individuals. Outdoor exercise can relieve some of that extra stress caused by the pandemic while also boosting the immune system, and many physicians continue to recommend it.

Those who do decide to go out should make sure they are taking important precautions.

Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control still apply in outdoor situations. People who are walking, running or cycling should maintain at least six feet of distance between one another, and some researchers who study airborne particles have advised expanding that distance significantly to around 10 or even 25 feet.

Some European countries are now placing limits on how many times a day people can go outdoors, as well as how far they can travel from home while exercising, to prevent the spread of the virus.

Could it happen here? Let’s hope not. But the best way to avoid the need for stricter regulations it is by acting responsibly now.

Local governments have already begun to close recreational areas where too many people are gathering or not practicing social distancing — including beaches, tennis courts and skate parks. Manatee County officials have said they will continue to monitor public spaces to make decisions about further closures.

So if you do go outside, be wise, and do all you can to limit risk for yourself and others.

And if you are feeling sick or experiencing any of the symptoms of COVID-19, you should stay home.

Activities

Cycling: Cycling remains a good way to get some solo exercise while maintaining distance from others.

Health experts recommend avoiding crowded areas as well as timing rides for off hours.

Other cautionary tips from a recent article published by Bicycling Magazine include: don’t go on group rides, don’t spit from the saddle (yes, it can spread the virus) and avoid overly intense workouts that could weaken your body’s defenses.

Walking/running: Walking and running are some other solid options for working out in the great outdoors.

As with cycling, it’s best to avoid heavily trafficked areas. Other recommendations include washing your hands before you head out and pressing crosswalk buttons with an elbow rather than a bare hand.

And if you tend to get snacky while exercising, consider bringing your own food.

Walk the dog: Yup, dog walking is in its own separate category.

Your pup needs to stay primed too, after all, and an evening stroll with Fido is as good a reason as any to get some exercise.

On the subject of pets, the CDC says: “In the United States, there is no evidence to suggest that any animals, including pets, livestock, or wildlife, might be a source of COVID-19 infection at this time.” As always, the agency recommends washing hands after handling pets or their food, waste or supplies to prevent the spread of germs.

If you want a true adventure, let your dog follow its nose and see where it leads you.

Gardening and yard work: Want to get outside without coming into contact with the hordes? Plant some gourds. Or any other number of growing things, for that matter.

What’s good for planting right now?

The spring months are idea for sowing a number of annuals, herbs, bulb plants and vegetables, according to a Central Florida planting guide from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

If you’re not so good at getting things to grow, there are probably weeds and invasive plants that need pulling nearby, leaves to rake or hedges to trim.

Cook out: Spice up your self-isolation diet by making your dinner over the fire this weekend.

Hot dogs, steaks, barbecue, roasted veggies and marshmallows are just a few options for the intrepid grillmaster or fire pit extraordinaire.

Better yet, see who in your household can come up with the best ghost story.

Kayaking: If you’re lucky enough to have a kayak, hitting the water remains a lower-risk option for outdoor activity.

Many local kayak launches remain open, such as at Jigg’s Landing Outpost, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton.

Places

There are plenty of parks, preserves and public spaces around Bradenton and Sarasota with ample room to social distance and get in some all-important exercise.

Bradenton Riverwalk: This one-and-a-half mile waterfront park that spans across downtown Bradenton and along the edge of the Manatee River remains open to the public, and it’s a scenic place for a walk or jog.

The area can get congested during peak morning and evening workout hours, so those who are trying to minimize contact with other people may want to plan accordingly.

Info: https://www.realizebradenton.com/riverwalk.

De Soto National Memorial: The visitor center at De Soto National Memorial is closed and events are canceled, but the park grounds remain open to the public.

The roughly 26-acre park overlooks the meeting place of the Manatee River and Tampa Bay and is home to many flowering plants and picturesque views.

Details: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 8300 De Soto Memorial Highway, Bradenton.

Info: nps.gov/deso.

Robinson Preserve: Robinson Preserve is a wonderful option for a nature hike, bike, run or kayak adventure.

There are 682 acres to spread out and enjoy nature with plenty of social distancing.

The preserve’s restrooms, playground and observation tower are currently closed, so plan accordingly.

Details: Open sunrise to sunset daily. Entrances located at 1704 99th St. NW., Bradenton and 840 99th St NW., Bradenton.

Info: mymanatee.org/departments/parks___natural_resources/parks__preserves___beaches/robinson_preserve.

Duette Preserve: Manatee County’s largest preserve (over 21,000 acres), Duette remains open to the public, and it offers hiking and nature trails, fishing, wildlife viewing and plenty of sunshine.

There are three entrances to the preserve with parking areas and access for pedestrian, bicycle and equestrian traffic.

The park is closed to visitors on certain dates set aside for hunting. Upcoming hunting dates will still be held, according to the county, and they include: April 4, 5 and 25; May 2, 16 and 23.

Vehicle access to the interior of the park is available on Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for $2.80 a vehicle, plus tax.

Details: Open sunrise to sunset daily (except for hunting program days). 2649 Rawls Road., Duette. Parking available from Duette Road off of State Road 62 and from Bear Bay Road and Logue Road off of State Road 64.

Info: mymanatee.org/departments/parks___natural_resources/parks__preserves___beaches/duette_preserve.

Celery Fields: Sarasota County’s Celery Fields is a great spot for a breath of fresh air and some bird watching.

The fields are comprised of more than 400 acres of marshlands and other habitat that attract more than 200 species of birds, according to the Sarasota Audubon Society.

Alternatively, you can always bird-watch in your own backyard or neighborhood.

See how many of Florida’s birds you can learn to recognize.

Details: Open 6 a.m. to sunset daily. 6893 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota.

Info: sarasotaaudubon.org/the-celery-fields.

This story was originally published April 1, 2020 at 7:08 AM.