The Virgin Islands National Park announced Tuesday the resumption of special use permits for weddings, picnics, and other activities at a variety of locations in the park. Weddings may be held at Peace Hill and Annaberg (40 persons maximum), and at Trunk Bay and other park beaches and pavilions (50 persons maximum). Picnics, BBQs, and other gatherings may also be held at these beach locations.
Social distancing is strongly encouraged and is the responsibility of the permit holder, the park said. Where park facilities are used, permit holders are responsible for wiping down and cleaning surfaces (e.g., picnic tables and benches) when their activity is concluded.
Permit applications can be completed online and emailed to [email protected] or printed and placed along with payment in the ‘Iron Ranger’ receptacle located near the flagpole at the Cruz Bay Visitor Center. Applications will be retrieved every Monday and Friday. For additional information about activities that require a permit, go here.
"The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Virgin Islands National Park, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored," the park said. "We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers."
Park beaches, trails, restrooms, and all park and monument waters are open, the park service said. While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. According to the release, when recreating, the public should follow local area health orders from the V.I. Department of Health, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities. All park rules and regulations are in effect.
The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. "We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health," the release said.
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