MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Parks and Recreation Department will be launching a new initiative to try and encourage, and remind, residents they can still visit the parks while practicing social distancing.

The Gnome Scavenger Hunt in Moses Lake, from April 27 to May 1, will challenge residents to solve the clues released the night before to determine which park the gnome will be in that day.

Five days means five different parks, with the gnome out from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each afternoon.

Recreation Supervisor Tom Los said he was gardening in his backyard with his wife when he came up with the idea after brainstorming for a few days.

“Right now, with the coronavirus going on, all Parks and Recs (departments) across the country right now are trying to come up with ways to keep people active, and be active parts of the community,” Los said.

Scavengers who find the gnome will then submit a “selfie” with the statue for a chance at winning a prize yet to be determined.

Los said rules for the contest will be posted on the department’s Facebook page on Saturday at 7 p.m., with the first set of clues going out on Sunday at the same time.

Park employees will take turns working at the various gnome locations each day, Los said, adding there are approximately 28 eligible park locations to choose from.

While the skate park and playgrounds at other parks have been closed for social distancing purposes, most Moses Lake park areas are still open. Los said the complete list of parks can be found at mlrec.com.

Los said they’ve seen a lot of online interest in the event already.

“I know people will be going out there,” Los said. “It just depends on whether or not they can figure out which park to go to.”

Los added that social distancing precautions would be laid out in the rules released on Saturday, with residents encouraged not to touch the gnome if they find it.