Why just why

That's the publicized one. It's all of them, the Mall, regional trails on fed property, etc. Not that people are really following it on anything that was normally walkable. This morning, I watched a huge busload of people walk to the Jefferson and just ignore the Park Police Officers telling them they couldn't (they were walking in because Ohio Drive is shut down to prevent the buses from pulling up directly in front of it). I ignored their can't use it rule for a local trail too that I use in my commute as did probably 100 or so people I passed.

If they can pay people to stand there and say you cant use it why cant they pay them to man the area and not close it?

Some things are just wrong...

They're not being paid. Now, it's a pretty common expectation that they will receive backpay once an agreement is reached (less so for non-essential personnel, although if they follow recent precedent then they will), but right now, they're all required to work without pay. Of course the non-essential personnel who are literally barred from working, are also barred from seeking any other employment during this time--even if they intended to resign their positions for better ones in the private sectory.

But I agree that it's ridiculous to try to close open-air monuments, paths, etc. Just put notes up saying trash collection will not occur and that police response will be limited and for emergencies only. However, that would distract from the political agenda of some folks therefore it won't happen.