Fresnans seek relief from heat in the San Joaquin, but pandemic worries are hard to shake

A long line of cars idled in a dusty field amid sweltering heat outside Skaggs Bridge County Park near Kerman on Saturday, with those in the vehicles hoping for a dip in the cool San Joaquin River.

But the price of admission was more than the posted $5 fee: There was also a lengthy wait. Park capacity has been cut by 50% due to COVID-19 concerns..

At the gate, Fresno County Parks Services Supervisor Manuel Diaz monitored traffic, only allowing a vehicle in for each one driven out. He said the park capacity is 100 cars, in an effort to keep the number of those on the riverbank to 400 people. Saturday, there was no evidence of overcrowding, an issue that drew complaints on social media the week before.

Diaz was busy explaining the rules, in English and Spanish, to people who traveled to one of the few nearby respites for those who don’t have access to a swimming pool. The temperature was 100 degrees-plus and the air unhealthy for sensitive groups, according to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution District.

Diaz said everyone who made it through the gate was encouraged to maintain social distance to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. At the river, it appeared that most were trying to follow the rules.

Alcohol consumption is allowed in county parks, but it appeared that everyone was well-behaved.

A Fresno County Sheriff’s deputy was also present, something Diaz said probably helps when he gets the occasional attitude from a driver who doesn’t want to wait.

This story was originally published August 15, 2020 at 3:15 PM.