OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN ILLINOIS SURGED DURING THE PANDEMIC. 

THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES CLOSED ALL FACILITIES PRETTY QUICKLY AFTER THE VIRUS FIRST HIT. 60 SITES OPENED BACK UP MAY FIRST, WITH THE REMAINING COMING ON LINE AT THE END OF MAY. CHIEF OF STAFF KRISTIN DICENSO SAYS ATTENDANCE FIGURES SHOW COOPED UP ILLINOISANS WERE READY TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS.

ILLINOIS PARKS, FISH AND WILDLIFE AREAS, HISTORIC SITES AND RECREATIONAL AREAS WERE CLOSED EARLY ON, BUT BEGAN REOPENING LAST MAY. STATE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES CHIEF OF STAFF KRISTIN DICENSO SAYS DESPITE THE MONTHS LOST DURING LOCKDOWN, ATTENDANCE AT THESE SITES INCREASED BY MORE THAN SIX PERCENT LAST YEAR.

DICENSO WAS TESTIFYING AT A STATE SENATE COMMITTEE ON TOURISM.