Editorial: Take advantage of the nice weather this weekend

Staff Editorial

With average temperatures around 80 degrees this upcoming Labor Day weekend, the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the weather should be taken before classwork becomes too much to bear.

We at The Daily Eastern News suggest that students and community members take advantage of some outdoor activities while remembering to comply with CDC and university guidelines in order to get some exercise and fresh air while also staying safe.

Lake Charleston, which covers 440 acres, has multiple trails of varying distances for people to traverse. Lincoln Prairie Grass Trail is an ideal path for cyclists or joggers not interested in the hills that Lake Charleston has to offer.

Fox Ridge State Park is also a short drive from campus that has “miles of rugged, scenic hiking trails,” according to charlestonillinois.org.

There are outdoor recreation options on campus as well.

Although Eastern has dismantled the basketball hoops on campus in efforts to stop students from gathering, there is still the Panther Trail for running and walking. You can also just take a walk around campus if you have some free time.

If you want to walk with a group of friends, however, be aware that the CDC recommends that all participants in large groups wear masks and social distance at lengths of at least 6 feet. Eastern also requires masks on campus.

We are sure that many students are stressed this semester, so before you get overwhelmed with homework and midterms and campus is covered in wet, dead leaves, take this opportunity to enjoy beautiful weather while practicing the necessary measures to keep both yourself and your peers safe.