Pandemic Positive: Outdoor Activity Increases

While some vacations and events are cancelled because of COVID-19, one recreational option hasn’t left: the great outdoors.

Cordell Hull Park Ranger Ashley Webster said without the pandemic, many first time visitors may not have explored Carthage’s nature area.

“There seems to be a lot more people outdoors, hiking our trails,” Webster said. “Hopefully this pandemic will make us a healthier nation and a healthier community, I hope it does, by getting people outdoors. Whether that’s hiking, picnicking, camping, coming to the beach and getting out on the lake, [or] kayaking.”

Webster said to encourage more tourism, their five dollar fee has been waived for the rest of the year.

“I’m trying to look look at the bright side of this situation, and I think there is one if it continues that way,” Webster said.

Cordell Hull Lake is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.