This post is no longer updated.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
I’ve checked out the entire site, can’t find any info on this … so tryin to figure out, once things reopen, do social distancing guidelines dictate 6 feet when it comes to squirrels… or is 3 feet okay? I know it’s 20 feet or more if it’s a Chuck Rodent sighting… that’s obvious… not asking about him… just can’t find anything in the FAQ about squirrels. Be safe, thanks in advance.
I agree, thanks for closing the parks and trails. It is the proper thing to do at this time and place we live in. Keeping your residents safe should be the only thing to do and those that do not want to help keep others safe then move to an island and be with your selfish selves.
THANK YOU King County Parks! You are doing the RIGHT thing in closing the parks to help slow the spread and keep everyone safe, the public and your employees. Do not listen to the people who do not want to follow the orders and put others at risk.
So now everyone can decide which orders or laws the have to follow when it fits their own personal needs? Good to know so when someone wants to break into your home its their “right” when they want your car its their “right”, when they want to steal from a business its their “right”. Huh…
Poor babies that can’t stand being indoors for a short period of time and have to go and put others in society in danger for your own selfish needs. Grow up and act like a civilized human being. Educate yourselves and do something for others for once in your lives.
To all you idiots that wine and complain about your own selfish needs (like most seattle & WA state residents)this is about everyones safety and sacrificing for a short time so we do not have to have tighter restrictions for a lot longer time. Being outside does not mean it is safe, educate yourselves for the good of all. If you had been to any parks or in public before the stay at home order then you see people not following the distancing guidelines so no one can be protected when out in these areas when YOU are not following the guidelines. Stay at home means stay at home, and be creative and do home exercise. All of you that feel its is “your right to be out” then sacrifice yourself and families not others. Its not your right to endanger others.
Governor Inslee is reopening outdoor recreation on May 5. Please follow our governor’s lead!
Governor Inslee said:
“Outdoor recreation is one of the best things we can do to promote physical, mental and emotional well-being for Washingtonians during a time of great stress and isolation.”
Please help King County residents stay physically and mentally healthy!
Please open the trails. Sidewalks do not give you room to pass another pedestrian with 6 feet between you. The regional trails DO allow for safe distancing. This closure is unnecessary and has gone on too long.
Please reopen the park gates. The closed gates are NOT appreciated.
Respectfully request that you reopen the rail based trails since they are wider and allow passage without close contact.
King County along with Jay Inslee infringing on people’s Constitutional Rights. Our founding fathers stood up against tyrannical leaders for far less.
You didn’t have to do this — the governor calls out exercise as essential. But you made a responsible decision in time of uncertainty. I respect that.
But now we know as the evidence is pouring in: outdoors is far safer from coronavirus than the indoors. The closure is hurting the health of the community.
It’s time to do the right thing again: open up now!
If somehow you in fact the rules force you to keep closed, go to the state. Shaping the rules for the good of the polity is called leadership and it is your responsibility.
It is very frustrating that the parks dept is not responding directly to the questions raised in comments and in their own FAQ. For example, the governor’s order clearly categorizes exercise as essential, but the parks dept has been fairly ambiguous as to whether exercise is included in the closure of trails for non-essential activities. Does exercise count as essential for the purpose of using trails in KC? Several posts have noted this point of ambiguity and the consequences of limiting access to these trails for this essential purpose.
Seattle is opening their parks this weekend 04/17/2020 are you suggesting that they are not in compliance with the govenor’s mandates? Open the Soos Creek trail !!!!
This past Saturday I took my two young boys out for a run to enjoy the sunshine and get out of the house. When I got to the Soos Creek trail I was forced between making my kids run on a road with no shoulder or running past a closure sign. Not safe or smart. Later I went to Walmart where people were buying “essentials” and came in close contact with over 100 people. That was perfectly fine by the state’s current rules. I thought Washington was a state that prided itself on making intelligent decisions. This seems like a lazy policy at best and an assenine one at worst.
Vote “NO” on any Park Initiatives or ballots in 2020 – 2021
King County cannot enforce park closures legally. You pay for them, State requests at the Governor level do not supersede the constitution. You will not receive a ticket or a fine for being there. Know your rights. The right to travel unimpeded is protected by the 5th amendment and due process. Judges don’t have the power, neither do park managers. Stay safe, practice social distancing
How about instead of a blanket closure of all parks you actually had some nuanced standards. Closing Lake Youngs Trail is absolutely ridiculous. It’s essentially a neighborhood trail that people run, bike, and walk on and it is PLENTY wide enough to stay safe on. For the record, no one around it is going to abide by these rules. There were plenty of people using it at a safe distance from each other this pas weekend and we’ll keep using it. You’ve wasted our tax payer money by creating signs and barricades that we’re all going to ignore.
I live along the cedar river trail and that is my only access to anywhere near a sidewalk to safely exercise or walk (Cedar River is right next to a highway). This is restricting my access to exercise outdoors and this really should not be enforced for people living nearby trails.
The Governor’s order includes exercise on the list of essential activities. Does this mean I can still use the trail near my house for exercise?
Terrible decision. There is almost zero chance to get Covid or any other illness from using a trail and passing by people. The County will cause more people to have to use streets, not exercise and make the overall situation even worse. We have now thrown out common sense. Ridiculous!
Totally agree. But let’s be honest, this is all about ‘saving face’ and nothing about common sense.
In the case of Cougar Mountain, Mount Si, Mount Tenneriffe where the trails are NARROW and it is impossible to stay 6′ away from other hikers I feel that closures make sense. In the case of the 15′ wide Snoqualmie Valley Trail that is not heavily used and other grassy parks I fail to see the logic in the closures…..yes, the governor ordered it. But does this really make sense? Can we just please have some happiness and the opportunity for sunshine and exurcise?
Exactly! I live closest to the Tolt pipeline and SVT; it is the closest and safest place for me to run. If it were their standards I’d be running on a no shoulder road with corners and speeds of 45 mph. So if I abide by the closure I then have to go into town, park in a neighborhood and run on a sidewalk that is much narrower than those trails and pass many more people than I would on the trail. It doesn’t make much sense.
We can’t use trails or tracks at schools, yet we have no side walks? Thanks for making me take my double stroller in the road when I want to go for a walk with my babies, because again WE HAVE NO SIDE WALKS.
There are people all over the Sammamish River Trail, and the parking lot at sixty acres is crammed over these last few warm days. Can’t something be done to close the parking lots so people don’t overflow this place? People are taking advantage of the open lots.
Should be happy now
King County cannot enforce park closures legally. You pay for them, State requests at the Governor level do not supersede the constitution. You will not receive a ticket or a fine for being there. Know your rights. The right to travel unimpeded is protected by the 5th amendment and due process. Judges don’t have the power, neither do park managers. Stay safe, practice social distancing.
King County cannot enforce park closures legally. You pay for them, State requests at the Governor level do not supersede the constitution. You will not receive a ticket or a fine for being there. Know your rights. The right to travel unimpeded is protected by the 5th amendment and due process. Judges don’t have the power, neither do park managers. Stay safe, practice social distancing
Why not just require masks? I agree wholeheartedly with the comments that this forces people out onto the more crowded sidewalks.
The more ridiculous the rules become the less people will fallow them.
Why gamble with the unknown?
Outdoor exercise has been called out as essential.
See Governor’s Proclamation, page 3, item 1.a.4:
“a. Essential activities permitted under this Proclamation are limited to the following:
…
4) Engaging in outdoor exercise activities, such as walking, hiking, running or biking, but only if appropriate social distancing practices are used.”
https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/proclamations/20-25%20Coronovirus%20Stay%20Safe-Stay%20Healthy%20%28tmp%29%20%28002%29.pdf
Well, he has a point.
However, again, as was mentioned earlier, social distancing still needs to be practiced.
So your making an assumption this is always possible in all areas…
I think this goes too far. You should not be closing hiking trails. People need to get out and exercise, and the risk is low. I am disappointed in King County Parks.
Wow! A bunch of complainers during a pandemic. Practice more acts of selflessness and less selfish complaining.
How do you know the risk is low on trails, Did you see the hoards of people on the trails, before they closed them? Rattlesnake lake, Mount Si, off leash dog parks? Is risking your life or possibly infecting others a chance you’re comfortable with?
KC just closed the entire Cedar River Trail this morning. We have been exercising on this trail every day since the shut down and have been practicing social distancing on our runs and bike rides. Most of the trail is in rural areas except near Renton, and follows the old RR on SR169 along the Cedar River. We live in Maple Valley. I have never seen anyone abuse or disregard the social distancing practice recommended on this trail. It’s not like people congregate on the trail or have parties!! Nor have I seen any groups of people except for some obvious family members closer than 6′. Almost all people are on the trail to exercise, and abide by the rules. Now we are forced onto streets which probably are more dangerous. I think there should be some common sense regarding trail use as an area of exercise. How healthy is it not to allow people to safely exercise?? I am all for the shut down to harness the spread of COVID-19, but KC should use some common sense regarding exercise trails, especially in rural areas. Does this seem unreasonable!!
Apparently we are supposed to ride our bikes, jog or walk on highway 169.
Apparently we are supposed to ride our bikes, jog or walk on highway 169.
This is INSANE! Show me one case, anywhere in the World where someone got Coronavirus (or any disease) by passing a person on a trail! Just one case! If the County wants to put up signs about Social Distancing and/or require everyone to wear masks, fine, but closing the trails is insane! This is PUBLIC land, so let the public use it.
This is INSANE! Show me one case, anywhere in the world, where someone got Coronavirus (or any other disease) from passing someone on a hiking trail! If you want to put up signs reminding people to keep their distance OR requiring everyone to wear a mask, fine, but closing trails is totally insane.
I have daughters who are wild land firefighters. They need to hike to be prepared for summer firefighting. Not sure the wildfires will get the memo to stay at home…Could their hiking be considered essential?
is the John Wayne Trail open?
That trail, now called the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail, is managed by Washington State Parks. We understand that all state parks are also closed at this time. For more information, visit their COVID-19 site at https://parks.state.wa.us/1177/Novel-Coronavirus—COVID-19.
Does this mean that Cougar Mountain is closed? Does anyone know?
Yes this closure includes Cougar.
Amidst park closures, why are employees continuing as “business as usual”. My guess is management is staying at home adhering to the “stay at home” order but maintenance workers are still being told to show up every day. Where is the logic there? I would hope KCP would set a good example to limit all employee’s exposure and give people the flexibility and option to work from home (even maintenance workers have office duties) and reduce field hours. As someone who worked for Parks once upon a time, I’m very disappointed in KCP leadership – they do not appear to be putting their employee’s safety first. 👎🏻
It would be helpful if you could put a list here of what parks and trails you are closing. Especially trails. I don’t know which ones are “regional and backcountry,” and I haven’t seen any signs posted at entrances to trails I usually ride on, saying that they are closed.
“Let’s just close everything no matter how great the impact on people’s well-being and how minimal the impact on virus spread” So. Freaking. Stupid.
Who takes responsibility for closing the parks? Are the King County Parks being closed in order for 5G tower installation to happen in the parks without the public’s knowledge or consent?
Amanda,
Please cut back on your consumption of cough syrup bottles.
Sent this story, KC Parks slow, irresponsible, park closure along with photo proof they are censoring comments of the truth and what the public can see to the New York Times. Also noted that even though Parks is closed, Parks is making it clear the closure will not be enforced essentially encouraging people to go against the Governor’s stay at home orders. Maybe should have just posted my comment…
Yup, they censored me. Took my comment, the truth totally away. Have it copied and saved for anyone wanting to know the truth. Darabbit4u@gmail.com for the truth.
It’s breathe of fresh air to see the logical people putting blame where it belongs on this Blog. Your KC Parks fieldworkers have been fighting hard, begging Dow and Christie True, DNRP head of spreading coronavirus, for at least 2 weeks to no avail. Yes, they are out exposing themselves while EVERYONE else in the Parks offices have been safely at home. Like the true salt of the earth people they are, they’ve been fighting hard for you, the public with more thought to you than their safety this late in the game. While having to worry about the very real retaliation that exists from KC Parks management if they speak out. They are terrified for your very lives. Yes, these are family people with kids that they need to be around for to guide growing up. Yes, they have family in the “danger” groups. Some are themselves in the danger group just by age. No, they have no choice being at work. They can use vacation, sick leave, and comp time during this time. But KC Parks workers are a tight knit group of people not inclined to abandon their posts or their peers (friends) to go this alone. And they need their off days saved to deal with possible fallout of corona in their own families. What our KC Park workers need right, today, is your total support to help keep them safe as they’ve fought for your safety. Please stay at home!!! You are putting them at risk being in the Parks, on the trails. We have an award winning Parks system that is understaffed. Many, many projects have to be pushed to the side to the daily maintenance needed. Let’s give them this time to use to get those projects done, get everything caught up, without it costing their or a loved ones lives. They are after all doing it for us, the public. Stop whining about swim meets and tennis. You’re making yourselves sound very ignorant. The Governor said, “STAY HOME”. Not “but it’s ok to play tennis, disc golf, swim meets”. What are you missing here?! Continue to put the blame where it belongs, Christie True. While everyone else in the chain up responded to my 2011 complaint of bullying, intimidation, and abuse of females in KC Parks, Christie True totally blew my complaint off, never responding. Supports females in her care being abused at work while protecting the creepy men doing it. Very nicely done Christie! She needs to go and go now rather than later. Well, there goes my chances of being hired ever again by KC Parks because I speak the truth. Yes, KC Parks is still hiring seasonals during this. I have the email to prove it as I’ve applied this year. Who would you rather work for you in Parks? People brave enough to put the truth out there or Christie False?! Kudos to the KC Parks workers for caring for your patrons when no one else in authority does! Well done!! Kirsten Chapman, you showed me once the stellar, classy lady you are when you came in and cleaned up Gary’s mess. Show me again! Keep my baby and friends safe first. Now let’s see if Parks censors my comment breaking our Amendment rights because Christie False doesn’t want the truth known.
I have it on good authority that the seasonal hiring is suspended.
Seems unfortunate that we can’t even ride our bikes on the trails . . .not even the extremely rural, very lightly-trafficked Snoqualmie Valley Trail.., where even on a warm sunny summer weekend you might have a density of no more than 10 bicyclists per mile. What you will effectively do is force bicyclists out onto roads and highways, which increases the danger. During coronavirus time, we all need exercise and outside time for our physical and mental health. Being outdoors is good for us, and may be bad for viruses. So long as people “social distance”, keep the trails open!
To preface, I was strict about social distancing from the start, at a time when people would still roll their eyes at you for suggesting the need. Point being, I respect the need for social distancing.
That said, it seems the rules for closures should be about not fostering an environment where social distancing is not maintained, such as gatherings of people who aren’t already sheltering in place together.
I’m not certain why large grass or sidewalk-like areas of relatively empty parks cannot be used as we’re being told can occur with normal public sidewalks. I don’t disagree in closing certain things like park bathrooms, high risk trails, or cancelling large gatherings… but I’m surrounded by lush empty grassy areas that I cannot use all while I’m allowed to use public sidewalks surrounding these closed areas.
Maybe there’s wisdom to this, maybe it’s temp, until we get our bearings, but here is my small +1 vote that we consider what may be opportunities for more intricately calibrated closures, allowing for some sensible usage of our great lands.
To be clear, I wouldn’t suggest any reduction in level/type of closure if it were to mean inducing avoidable serious risk to park employees or attendees.
Who will maintain these trails?
That’s a great point Andrew, howver if you look from KCP’s perspective they cannot have a spectrum of laws and rules and cheery pick which to apply to which trail. If people find out that oh the rural trail is open, entire Seattle would flock there. We are all in this together, we are all stuck, we are all frustrated. All of that is better than more infected people and more deaths.
I just posted that KC just closed the Cedar River Trail. My post was similar to yours. I just noticed they removed it. Are you kidding me!!!
I agree up to the point of the closing of regional trails. With a 10′ wide trail and a low use trail like the Green River Trail social distancing is easy. And since it’s been clearly stated there will be no enforcement only law abiding people will obey. As such, the people who were not social distancing before will go anyway and people like myself will now be stuck riding on the road for exercise. What’s accomplished by closing regional trails? Nothing.
I truly don’t understand why walking trails in my neighborhood should be closed. I hardly ever see others on the trail; I am simply taking a nature walk. When I see others, we wave from a distance and stay more than six feet apart. We all need a break from our crowded homes full of kids, spouses’ working. We don’t make much impact, and it has made this time tolerable. I protest!
Who do you expect to maintain these trails, garbage, dog poop, etc…
The governor specifically acknowledged citizens need for physical and mental health by allowing them to go for a walk, exercise, etc while still maintaining social distancing. Closing all trails is the opposite of the Governor’s guidance. Fully support closing bathrooms and playground equipment, but trails are extremely low risk for contact and spreading the virus.
Looking for clarity please. It seems you are saying that the parks are closed, except for…. so if we have a pea patch at Marymoore and can maintain social distancing, are we allowed to work our plots? Probably also asked by dog park users. Thanks.
We live in an apartment with no outdoor space and a young, energetic 7 year old. We have a view of the park and take him there when we see it is empty. We do things like frisbee, or playing with our ball, in the big grassy field far from any other people. We don’t use the picnic tables or playgrounds or anything like that. Is this still allowed under these new rules? We walk there, of course. Thanks!
Does this mean trails such as the Interurban, Sammamish, Burke-Gilman and Snoqualmie Valley, too?
So can I still ride my bike on trails in a king county park if i ride from home? I know parking lots are closed but can i still ride to the trails?
We’ve updated our blog to include a FAQ portion, which includes your question.
Hi,
I fully support the move for stronger social distancing measures. However, I am a bit unclear of the on the wording here:
“While visitors will still be able to walk into parks and back country trails and walk and bike on the regional trail network, King County is asking all residents to do their part in stopping the spread of the virus and help save lives by abiding by these closures and all social distancing guidelines.”
Does this mean that I can walk through the park as long as social distance is maintained?
Thanks in advance for clarifying.
We’ve updated our blog to include a FAQ portion, which includes your question.
I live in Seattle. Im asking Parks and Health to post or share information about their building of temporary facilities on parks fields/land so that other cities and towns looking to your response and leadership can get a blueprint as they catch up. Suppliers, plans, protocols. I just received a call from a family member in Atlanta who works in the construction field and they are trying to figure all that out very quickly. If you’re able to post about those activities and be transparent about it you could help other cities and counties nationwide. Thank you.
Just drove by Lake Geneva park in Auburn I counted 50 cars parked along the road by the fields. Both fields had multiple volleyball nets set up with several dozen players.
I have seen some sort of volleyball league using the fields in the past. I assume it is the same group.
It is very reckless of them to congregate in such numbers, clearly in violation of using the park right now.
There’s still a bunch of kids playing on the playground at Petrovitsky Park, and bigger groups of kids and adults “hanging around”. PLEASE shut it down!!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 My kid wants to play outside too, but we’re not letting her right now. It’s too risky!!! PLEASE SHUT DOWN MORE PUBLIC AREAS 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
great leadership by whoever makes the decisions for kcp, Lets do the bare minimum and make the spread worse to placate a few. I agree with others on this post that the cities within King County that have taken the steps needed already are the real leaders of the region. Now is not the time to wait if we want to protect our community members, especially the more vulnerable ones. The park users are the main ones not listening to the warnings and flock to the parks & trails increasing the risks to us all. Just look at Seattle last night and the Alki fiasco. We all need to come together and sacrifice for others at this time of need, INCLUDING the management of KC Parks who have done a horrible job so far. Wake up, protect your workers and the communities we all live in. Us votes will remember the lack of action at election time.
I see it as foolish to remaining to keep parks and trails open when the PPE supplies i am sure your work crews use to keep the parks open could be better used and is needed by the healthcare industry. We will get over not having our parks and trails open for a while in exchange for not helping spread the virus and hopefully having much needed supplies go to a bigger cuase.
Comments from “Next Door Neighbor”……
5 mile park packed!
Just passed 5 mile park and you would think it was a normal summer day!! I thought the parks were closed?
New1 hr ago · 37 neighborhoods in General
5 mile park packed!
Just passed 5 mile park and you would think it was a normal summer day!! I thought the parks were closed?
New1 hr ago · 37 neighborhoods in General
Don’t understand why people don’t get it 😔
1 hr ago
Thank
And this is why the governor will make us shelter in place because people don’t listen.
1 hr ago
Lucy Robinson, Jovita Blvd ENew
“Shelter in place” is a term for emergencies like an active shooter. I wish the media would not use it. It’s more like “Stay at home.” One carrier at the park could create dozens of vectors. Makes me sick people are so careless.
57 min ago
Thank
Jane David, Regency WoodsNew
I just drove past on my way home from a dog walk (out in a place with no other people in close proximity, like we are supposed to do). There were still lots of young guys there at 5:30, playing close contact basketball, volleyball, sitting in groups on picnic tables, hanging out in close proximity in the parking lot talking about their ridiculous cars, etc. I don’t understand why theparking lot gates weren’t locked. It is just infuriating. I wanted to scream “Go Home!!!!!” to all of them.
12 min ago
Thank
Yup! That’s exactly what I saw. If they would have closed the gates no one would be there
11 min ago
Thank
Time to get the County involved to implement State mandates.
8 min ago
Should be!
1 hr ago
Thank
Don’t understand why people don’t get it 😔
1 hr ago
Thank
Reply
And this is why the governor will make us shelter in place because people don’t listen.
1 hr ago
Thank
“Shelter in place” is a term for emergencies like an active shooter. I wish the media would not use it. It’s more like “Stay at home.” One carrier at the park could create dozens of vectors. Makes me sick people are so careless.
57 min ago
Thank
I just drove past on my way home from a dog walk (out in a place with no other people in close proximity, like we are supposed to do). There were still lots of young guys there at 5:30, playing close contact basketball, volleyball, sitting in groups on picnic tables, hanging out in close proximity in the parking lot talking about their ridiculous cars, etc. I don’t understand why theparking lot gates weren’t locked. It is just infuriating. I wanted to scream “Go Home!!!!!” to all of them.
12 min ago
Thank
Yup! That’s exactly what I saw. If they would have closed the gates no one would be there
11 min ago
Time to get the County involved to implement State mandates.
8 min ago
The City of Woodinville closed their parks and restrooms on 3/14 to better protect their residents and send the message to anyone that did not get the message and to stay home unless really needed. Also the City of Sea Tac closed all of their parks on Monday 3/16 as well. Looks like they are also the leaders of the county not King County. It is hard to go and even use hiking trails when the trail heads are over crowded and no room on the trails to practice social distancing. The parks themselves are a mess with picnic groups, groups playing. and no one seeming to care about about keeping each other safe. This is from what i saw a couple times the past 3 weeks and what family,friends and coworkers mentioned as we all drive by many of these parks on the way to work (yes we do not have the option to work from home like many others do, but not mad at the ones that can they are doing thier part to protect us all). Step up NOW KCP save lives, i bet your workers would like that since they are out there in the thick of it probably not by choice.
Why is kcp blog censoring peoples comments? post all of them dont try to quiet your citizens.
Censored mine too.
Restrooms still open? Cleaned Frequently? That is one of the most germ containing areas. Unless you are disinfecting after every park user it is not a safe environment, and im sure those who have to clean them do not feel good about putting themselves at risk. Close all the parks to keep your county residents safe please.
Who is making the decisions to leave parks and trails open? Is it the parks director, or the head of the dnrp or is it Dow? Whoever it is is helping spread the virus and probably hurting their employees while they are at it. Not any form of leadership going on for the community. I guess they do not watch the news or stay up to date on what has been happening around the globe. We have been given the warning and decision to not take action just contribute to the hard ache many families are going thru and will only grow with bad decisions like this. To the King County leaders making the decision, either do the right thing or resign and get out of the way for real leaders of OUR community, please for all our well being.
King County Parks decision to take baby steps reminds me of Disneylands decision a few weeks ago where “we know there is a serious health risk but we will remain open during a busy warm sunny weekend so even more people risk spreading the virus just some might ot get mad at us”. Poor poor decision that is putting all (employees,public,loved ones, anyone and everyone) at a higher risks. We all hear the alarm bells being set off around the world on how bad this is and is going to get but i guess the high paycheck decision makers at King County are safe in their houses and void of reality on their own staff’s out working and the communities they represent.
I implore every king county resident take a look at the City of Maple Valley and Covington’s response to this crisis. They made bold extreme measures yesterday because they actually care for their citizens, where as the County and Parks Dept. by their actions show they do not value their employees who are at at risk to keep these parks and trails open or their own citizens by increasing the risk to every human. The decision makes for the county should be fired and maybe bring in real leaders like the ones in the cities i mentioned.
To Jane, you are ignorant at the time you posted this, you did not get the seriousness of this virus and you were being selfish in your response. I hope and pray you have educated yourself since your post and now get it. If not you are one of the Seattle area selfish people that only care for your own interests and not that of the greater good and your fellow people in the community. A swim event is not important in this day and time.What you did get right is the fac that they should have shut everything down when this decision was made not just cancel a few events so i am sorry for being so hard but the vast majority of people heading out to parks the past couple weeks do not care about others and are making a bad situation worse, and King County Parks is not holding up their end with leaving us all at risk
King County Parks is on the wrong side of history on this crisis, if it is unsafe to have certain areas open to the public then the entire park system needs to be closed since the public is being selfish and not following health guidelines. Dow should not be re-elected and Christie True should be out of a job for not being pro active (like Maple Valley Parks and the City of Covington just did) You are putting the public and anyone who visits your sites in a very dangerous position. Your closing some things is a good first step but it is too little and i fear too late.
Why closing tennis court? Tennis is not a close contact sport. I can understand about closing basketball courts, ballfields, swimming pools, playgrounds, picnic shelters, etc. because of difficulty of maintaining six feet distance. But tennis?
I agree. Maintaining social distancing in close contact sports can certainly be difficult and stopping those is warranted, but tennis?? By the nature of the sport distancing is maintained and it’s easy to follow hygiene guidelines. Very odd to shut it down entirely, and unfortunate. Typical one-size-fits-all approach without examining in detail what you’re doing.
https://www.lta.org.uk/play-compete/get-on-court/coronavirus-covid-19–advice-for-tennis-players/ tennis is recommended as a good activity with social distancing built into the game’s structure. This should be encouraged, yes? But closing bathrooms – that’s a no-brainer, right?
It says “Ballfields and playfields are open for walking and other non-team activities.” but then says “The closure includes picnic shelters, basketball and tennis courts, ballfields, …” but this seems contradictory, could you clarify please? thank you.
Closed facilities include sports courts, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and other areas where Public Health social distancing guidance are difficult to achieve.
We strongly encourage people to practice social distancing when visiting parks and trails. Examples:
– Walking on a trail, leaving at least 6 feet between you/your family and other visitors.
– Riding a bike, leaving at least 6 feet between you/your family and other visitors.
– Playing frisbee or catch on a field with you/your family – pick-up or other group games not permitted.
When in parks and on trails, you are encouraged to:
– Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to going to parks and trails, including washing hands, carrying hand sanitizer, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and staying home if you are not feeling well.
– Observe a distance of six feet from other people and maintain it as you walk, bike, or hike.
– Stay alert and communicate. Signal your presence to others – use your voice, bell, or horn.
– When on a single-track or natural surface trail, maintain the six feet distance from others and step off the trail to allow others to pass.
– Do not congregate at trailheads, restrooms, or other facilities.
– Practice Leave No Trace and pack out your trash. That helps protect our Parks staff.
Why is Frisbee allowed and tennis prohibited? We keep much more than 6 feet distance when playing and there is a net in between to make sure there is no contact. Please reconsider.
So disappointed in this decision by King County less than 20 hours before the event. The meet director made it clear over the last week that swimmers and spectators were attending this event at their own risk. Now, at 4pm on Tuesday we are notified that the event on Thursday morning has been canceled? Why is it acceptable to state “We are still operational, hard at work so you can play, and all of our parks, trails and other facilities are open at this time”, yet cancel this regional swim event? Swimmers have dedicated countless hours preparing for this event. Parents have taken time off from work, invested in suits and equipment, booked hotels, flights and rental cars. The devastating effect of this decision trickles down to areas that King County Parks decision makers can’t possibly even have considered.
A large gathering like a swim meet is dangerous.