It’s another week of #NotBadNews. Today we’re bringing you the D.C.’s renovations to help maintain social distancing and one immovable dog.
Welcome to #NotBadNews, our new (and hopefully short-lived) daily column where we round up the good, surprising, and weird things that have happened around the world during this coronavirus pandemic.
San Francisco’s Newest Park?
A golf course that was once members-only has opened its gates to the public amid the COVID-19 outbreak. To give Bay Area residents a place to enjoy the outdoors without the worry of finding space in a crowded park, Presidio Private Golf Course welcomed residents to their green. The golf course provides ample space, allowing those wanting some fresh air a chance to sit outside and soak up the sun all while keeping six feet between them and others.
SF closed the 9(!) golf courses in the City & turned them into parks for social distance recreation.
Lovely! Genuinely angry this slice of city is inaccessible to normal people!
The revolution begins when the underclass seizes the means of uh, :checks notes: …recreation. pic.twitter.com/cFXWXuE60s
— Laura (@ContextSans) April 25, 2020
Nor-Cal can now enjoy a day on the green, no putter required.
Bring Home a Baby Rhino
The Denver Zoo welcomed Joona, a baby rhino, this spring. Though the zoo has not been open, this baby has gained quite a lot of attention on social media. Calling all Joona fans, the Denver zoo has released something for you—a Joona plushie!
Looking for an easy way to support Denver Zoo while we’re #closedbutstillcaring? Our online shop is open! Swing by anytime for official Denver Zoo gear—including baby Joona plushies. Get yours today! https://t.co/8voLUpyDP6 pic.twitter.com/NYjSz9FtdT
— Denver Zoo (@DenverZoo) April 27, 2020
This is a great way to support the zoo and its workers during their closure, and it doesn’t hurt that you get to bring their newest cutie home with you!
Recommended Fodor’s Video
California Knows How to Party
Nothing can stop Los Angeles residents from having a good time. As temperatures peaked this weekend and city-dwellers longed for a night-out, this DJ brought the party to them—introducing you to the Rooftop Sunset Set. Those in apartments near the DJ set-up are encouraged to come to their balconies and enjoy the set, dance, and have fun!
Just a Little Bit Longer
We welcome the warm weather a much-needed sunshine which has made even the bad quarantine-days a little better. As summer approaches, outdoor time is becoming more and more desirable, and not just for us. This pet decided he needed a little longer outside, showing he wasn’t quite ready to make the walk back home yet.
This means he wants to be picked up and carried home😂 pic.twitter.com/dRXm21Etki
— Ross McCulloch (@Rossmac212) April 20, 2020
This dog has done what we’ve all wanted to, spending a couple extra minutes under the sun!
D.C. Makes Room for Pedestrians
Our capital saw a need for expanded sidewalks and acted. With many people heading out for walks, using it as a moment to enjoy the outdoors and escape their place, sidewalks have become more and more crowded. To ensure that those walking are able to maintain social distance, Washington D.C. expanded them.
Washington, D.C. It might not be beautiful, but our shared interest in public health and social distancing demands it. Expanded sidewalks created at the drop of a hat. pic.twitter.com/XGAPpbGdi2
— Jennifer Keesmaat (@jen_keesmaat) April 24, 2020
Way to successfully make the streets safe!
A Joyous Day for the Children of Spain
After weeks of being stuck inside, children under the age of 14 in Spain got the OK to leave home and head outside for one hour of a play with one supervising adult. This mom took to the woods, giving her child the chance to really take in the nature (and space to run) they’d been missing.
After 6 weeks of strict confinement, the joy of running in the forest knows no limits. In Spain, this is the first day kids are allowed to leave home. What a happy day! pic.twitter.com/ErsaPyzSnZ
— Andrés Baselga (@andres_baselga) April 26, 2020
This is a huge day not just for the children but for the country of Spain, showing their progress and giving us hope!
A Neighborly Movie Swap
When this building’s 79-year-old neighbor left a note saying that she was unable to leave her home and was running out of movies to watch and books to read, the other tenants quickly reacted. Gathering all of their DVDs and favorite reads, this woman’s neighbors left her quite the surprise. Presenting her with a pile of media to consume, this woman says she will not be getting bored anytime soon.
Yesterday an elderly woman in my block taped the first note to the lobby door, so my neighbours and I dropped off some books/DVDs for her. Today she stuck up a second note 🙂 pic.twitter.com/ERbQe6DlQU
— Bon Cliff (@conniebliff) April 23, 2020
After finishing movies and books, this woman plans to put them back in the lobby where someone else might be able to borrow them for a week! This apartment trade-off is super inspiring—maybe we should reach out to our neighbors today!
Check-in every day for an update on the wonderful and weird things happening in our current coronavirus world.