State parks enjoyed a banner year in 2020
BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) - As COVID-19 kept people closer to home, 2020 became a banner year for Idaho State Parks. Idaho Parks and Recreation said 7,671,482 guests visited state parks last year, 1.2 million more than in any previous year.
The previous record was set in 2019.
“It’s a mind-boggling number,” said Brian Beckley, chairman of the Idaho Parks and Recreation Board, which oversees the department. “Never before have we had so many people come out to our parks. But with the pandemic keeping people indoors and isolated, outdoor recreation became one of the few things people could do responsibly to beat COVID cabin fever.”
7.6 Million People Visited Idaho State Parks in 2020
TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KLIX)-As 2020 forced the shutdown of businesses, schools, and events, millions of people headed outdoors and visited Idaho State Parks in record numbers.
According to the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Idaho parks had 1.2 million more guests visit them in 2020 than in 2019. The latest figures for park visitation came out to 7,671,582 based on day users and campers. “It’s a mind-boggling number,” said Brian Beckley, chairman of the Idaho Parks and Recreation Board, which oversees the department in a prepared statement. “Never before have we had so many people come out to our parks. But with the pandemic keeping people indoors and isolated, outdoor recreation became one of the few things people could do responsibly to beat COVID cabin fever.”