Dozens flock to Whitewater Preserve for Memorial Day

Dozens of people spent their Memorial Day at Whitewater Preserve this holiday. Many were happy to beat the heat at the water preserve, and get some fresh air after months of having to stay inside due to COVID-19.

"It's been a little stir crazy. It was time to get outside and get some fresh air-- feels good," Desert Hot Springs resident, Charlene Caban said.

It wasn't just locals making their way to the preserve for Memorial Day.

"Just kind of needed to get out and explore-- go as far as we can from our home," Anaheim resident, Luis Lopez said.

"Finally we’re free, get to extend our legs, breathe in the fresh air, take a dip in the water, enjoy the nature," Los Angeles resident, Adriana Solis said.

Friends and families flocked to the desert oasis to cool off. Many set up near the entrance, while other trekked further to fine spots that weren't occupied.

"There’s a lot of area where people can still get to the water and they can still be spread out and they can still social distance and so we’re allowing that," Whitewater Preserve Regional Director and Manager, Jack Thompson said.

Thompson said the area that is currently open is serving as an alternative to the main area of the preserve, which remains closed.

"There’s a lot of shared surfaces there, so picnic benches and restrooms and things like that, those are still closed," Thompson said.

He said larger crowds were expected this holiday weekend, after Coronavirus restrictions loosened in recent weeks. Some limitations still remain on public land outside of the preserve.

One ranger handed out citations for people parked along the roadside. A driver noticed, and walked back to obtain the ticket. He then proceeded to go back into the trail anyway.

Thompson said there is a distinction for visitors. Outside the preserve is public land, and during fire season it is prohibited.

"Always be looking for those signs. If they see signs that say 'fire closure,' 'fire danger,' all of that, that’s a place they can’t be," Thompson said.

"Our property is marked pretty well where there’s a sign that says 'Whitewater Preserve-- it’s made of stone," Thompson said.

He said the stone is a good marker for visitors to go by, when determining where to park. He advised people to park north of the sign.

In the meantime, Thompson said the goal is to remain open for as long as they could.

"I think as long as people are respectful and they keep their distance and they behave well and there’s not too many people for us to handle, then we have every intention of staying open," Thompson said.