Tower Hill, Wachusett Mountain close temporarily as outdoor activities take hit
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Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston
The coronavirus pandemic is keeping — or forcing — many to forego events bringing large groups of people together in confined spaces. Outdoor activities are suffering a similar fate, at least temporarily.
The Wachusett Mountain Ski Area in Princeton will be closed March 17 through March 20, and even while open is encouraging skiers to limit the use of the base lodge, a spot where people congregate before or after skiing or to grab something to eat.
"Skiing and snowboarding offer a healthy outdoor recreational activity," Wachusett President Jeff Crowley said in an online posting Friday. "Please note that we have read Governor Baker's recent order limiting gatherings of 250 or more to make sure we comply."
Baker's order has since been modified to prohibit gatherings of 25 or more people.
Other steps Wachusett is taking include closing the Black Diamond Restaurant for the rest of the season, eliminating self-service food areas and canceling events including the St. Patrick's Day celebration scheduled for March 14 and 15. Anyone who has purchased a ticket and is concerned about the outbreak can be issued a credit for a future visit, Crowley said.
Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston will also close temporarily, from March 16 through April 3.
Like some other venues, Tower Hill initially said it would remain open, as recently as March 11. But within two days, the garden said it would close to everyone except essential personnel. Refunds for scheduled events will be given.
The Worcester Art Museum, which also held off on closing, said Friday it would close through at least March 27.
Another mostly outdoor venue, Southwick's Zoo in Mendon, is closed for the season anyway. The zoo has been scheduled to open for the year in April. The Ecotarium in Worcester will close through April 6, the Discovery Museum in Acton through March 30, and the Fitchburg Art Museum until further notice. The Worcester Historical Museum is closed until at least April 7, with public programs through April 15 canceled.
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