This post is no longer updated. Please visit our new COVID page for the latest information on the status of King County Parks.
We will use the Plog, Facebook and Twitter, and e-newsletters to keep you up-to-date about any changes in Parks’ operations.
UPDATE 04/28/2020, 1 p.m.
In light of Governor Jay Inslee’s announcement of 4/27/20 about the re-opening of selected state recreational lands, King County Parks is working through a phased-in reopening scenario for its parks, trails and other facilities, likely starting with natural lands and regional trails.
King County Parks are currently closed in response to COVID-19; visitors urged to ‘Stay home, stay healthy’
As part of its ongoing efforts to protect public health and curb transmission of COVID-19, King County Parks closed its parks, trails and other facilities on Wednesday, March 25. Parking lot and trailhead gates are locked, and restrooms are closed. King County does not have the resources at this time to actively enforce Parks’ closures and is relying upon the public to abide by these closures and follow social distancing guidelines at all times.
The closure came on the heels of Gov. Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, which has been extended to May 4, 2020.
We ask that everyone abide parks closures and refrain from using King County’s parks, including regional and backcountry trails. We are unable to physically block off all entrances to parks and trails. We appreciate your efforts to help save lives and slow the spread of this virus by abiding by these closures. King County urges residents not to park illegally on roadways near parks and trails or to block parking lot and trailhead gates.
Question and Answers
- Q: If I can walk to a King County park or trail, can I still use it?
- Q: Can the Regional trails be used by essential workforce employees and for essential tasks?
- Q: How are you enforcing these closures?
- Q: How long are these closures?
- Q: Are all parks closed?
- Q: Does this closure include trails like the Snoqualmie Valley trail and other regional trails?
- Q. Why is King County Parks doing construction projects, such as trail paving repairs, during this time?
- Q. What is King County Parks doing to protect the health of its contractors?
- Q. Can I still make a public records request?
Q: If I can walk to a King County park or trail, can I still use it?
A: We ask that everyone respect the closures and refrain from using King County’s parks, including regional and backcountry trails. We are unable to physically block off all entrances to parks and trails. We appreciate your efforts to help save lives and slow the spread of this virus by abiding by these closures.
King County urges residents not to park illegally on roadways near parks and trails or to block parking lot and trailhead gates. King County Sheriff’s deputies are conducting extra patrols to help deter improper parking near locked gates and educate people present in our park and on our trails about the closures.
Q: Can regional trails be used by essential workforce employees and for essential tasks?
If an individual is part of the essential workforce and needs to commute for work or if an individual needs to accomplish essential tasks (ex: grocery store) by using King County’s regional trails, they are allowed to do so. Individuals who use trails for these purposes should follow social distancing guidelines and our standard trail rules and etiquette.
Non-essential use of King County’s regional trails remains closed as part of the ongoing efforts to protect public health and slow transmission of COVID-19.
Q: How are you enforcing these closures?
A: We do not have the resources to actively enforce parks and trails closures. We are unable to physically block off all entrances to parks and trails.
We are relying on residents to do their part in helping save lives and slow the spread of the virus by abiding by these closures and all social distancing guidelines.
This is a measure that requires everyone’s cooperation. We can’t erect physical boundaries to close off all of our facilities, and instead will use signage, social media, and other communication channels to encourage compliance.
Q: How long are these closures?
A: In response to Governor Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, parks will be closed until at least May 4.
Q: Are all King County’s parks closed?
Yes. All King County Parks’ facilities are closed. This includes popular areas such as:
- Off leash dog park at Marymoor
- Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Park
- Campground at Tolt-MacDonald Park
Q: Does this closure include trails like the Snoqualmie Valley Trail and other regional trails?
A: Yes. We ask that all residents respect the closures and refrain from using King County’s parks and regional trails. We are unable to physically block off all entrances to parks and trails and are asking for your help in saving lives and slowing the spread of COVID-19 by abiding by these closures.
Q. Why is King County Parks doing construction projects, such as trail paving repairs, during this time?
A: Maintenance and repair of critical public infrastructure, such as paving and resurfacing of regional trails, falls within the essential work exemptions for construction under the Governor’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. King County residents have made significant investments in our parks, trails, and open spaces. Our ongoing stewardship of these places is essential to public safety, protects that investment, and will help us be ready to re-open in the future.
Q. What is King County Parks doing to protect the health of its contractors?
A: All contractors working on projects for King County Parks are required to have an approved Health and Safety Plan in place, and we have instructed them to ensure their plans have been updated to reflect the most recent guidance on safe distancing and other job site protocols from Public Health – Seattle & King County regarding COVID-19. Parks staff are actively monitoring their compliance with these safety measures.
Q. Can I still make a public records request?
A: Yes. King County’s focus is to slow the spread of COVID-19, so at this time, we may not be able to process records requests as quickly as we have in the past during this public health emergency. This is in compliance with Governor Jay Inslee’s Proclamation 20-28, which temporarily suspends the Public Records Act (RCW 42.56) requirements for agencies to respond to public records requests within five business days.
Where can I learn more?
Visit kingcounty.gov/covid to learn more about the virus and how to slow its spread.
Keep updated on the latest developments on the Public Health – Seattle & King County blog at publichealthinsider.com.
Other resources