HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Despite the chilly weather and intermittent rain this weekend, some West Michigan residents found reasons to get for some fresh air on Sunday, March 29, 2020.
They spent time in their yards or nearby parks — keeping a safe social distance — took walks in their own neighborhood, or along the multiuse patch stretching from Holland Township through Park Township, all the way to Holland State Park. (See photo gallery.)
Others grabbed bicycles and pedalled around town, looking for a welcome break from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s “Stay home, stay safe” executive order intended to slow the spread of the aggressive upper-respiratory illness COVID-19.
Tim Haadsma, who said he doesn’t live far from Holland State Park, headed to the beach Sunday afternoon for some surfing with friends.
Twenty-three-mile-an-hour winds were gusting to more than 35, sending waves eight to 10 feet high crashing along the shoreline.
The 26-year-old said the sport is perfect for keeping social distance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think today, as long as you’re not hanging out with your friends and, you know, carpooling and all that, it’s not that bad,” he said. “You don’t have to, like, make contact with each other. You don’t have to touch each other when you’re surfing. It’s all by yourself.”
He compared surfing to taking a walk and said it’s recreation he loves — and a great break from his work. He had a retail job, but after getting laid off, he got a job at Amazon.
“Yeah, the shutdown’s kinda crazy and it can kind of mess with your head a little bit,” he said. “So, you know, try and continue to do the things you love. Do it smart, be safe. Mental health is a big deal. so, take care of yourself.”
