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Memorial Day Weekend in Twin Falls

Posted at 7:04 PM, May 25, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-26 09:46:44-04

TWIN FALLS — Memorial Day weekend is a time for people to get outside, enjoy barbecues and recreational activities, while remembering the sacrifices made by servicemen and women.

Twin Falls was no stranger to this activity as numbers of people took advantage of the weekend. Kayaking, fishing, and hiking were popular choices, yet many also took to seeing local attractions.

Shoshone Falls had experienced thousands of people coming to take in the site.

"800 today so I want to to say around 1,200 Saturday and 1,400 yesterday," said Wendy Davis, Director of Twin Falls Parks and Recreation.

These numbers represent a relatively average amount of people that tend to visit the falls during this time of year. Due to COVID-19, people attending were doing their best to social distance and wear face masks. Other precautions were put in place by the parks and recreation to ensure everyone's safety.

At the falls, a scenic overlook is a central spot where people go to the best view. Twin Falls Park and Rec had staff stationed at the stairs to limit the number of people at a time. The workers also focused on the traffic flow of the stairs by letting groups in one at a time. Once they finished taking pictures or viewing the falls, they were escorted back to the main lot where the next group would be allowed to go down the stairs.

Davis says that there was also a lot of activity in many of the local parks. People trying to get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors anyway possible seemed to be the recurring theme this weekend.

"There were families out riding bikes and walking and playing frisbee in the park. I've just seen a lot of things that make me happy that people are getting outside and trying to be active," said Davis.

It is encouraged for those going to arks to practice hygiene and social distancing as parks are currently not being sanitized. Public restrooms in the area are also closed until there is the proper equipment is in place.

Despite the number of people who attended these hot spots, some remain closed. Dierkes Lake is one of the local hot-spots that will remain closed until later phases of the governor's plan to reopen the state. Davis encouraged the public to keep an eye on their website and Facebook page for updates as well as activities to keep people entertained for the summer.