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Apr
24

Enjoy the Fourth of July and recreate responsibly in King County Parks – Your Big Backyard

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Enjoy the Fourth of July and recreate responsibly in King County Parks – Your Big Backyard

Summary

King County Parks urges visitors to respect the no fireworks rule and follow the seven tips to recreate responsibly when spending time in King County’s parks and on its trails this Fourth of July.

Story

As many official fireworks displays are cancelled this year due to COVID-19, King County Parks reminds visitors that fireworks are not allowed in King County’s parks and that all parks and trails will close at dusk, the regular closing time.

Learn when and where you can safely use fireworks at kingcounty.gov/fireworks.

King County Parks has re-opened its parks and trails consistent with the state’s Phase 2 guidelines. More information about what is open can be found on Parks’ COVID-19 response page.

Other updates

  • Tent and RV camping at Tolt-MacDonald Park re-opens July 1 by reservation only. Yurts, the camping container, and group camping remains closed. The annual Carnation 4th of July celebration is cancelled.
  • The marina at Dockton Park remains open for limited day use only on a first come-first served basis. Restrooms are closed. The renovation project is scheduled to start in August. To receive updates about the marina and park, subscribe to the e-newsletter at http://bit.ly/docktonparknews.
  • The Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center remains closed until September 21. Parks will be replacing the skylights in the natatorium, a project that has been in progress prior to the COVID-19 closure, and requires a full facility closure.
  • King County urges caution when recreating safely near rivers and lakes. Please wear a life jacket. More information about how to be safe near the water, as well as a coupon for a life jacket, visit https://kingcounty.gov/riversafety.

Limited workforce capacity coupled with new safety protocols to deter the spread of the virus are affecting the level of service that Parks is able to provide right now, so visitors should expect reduced or limited services. Parks asks for the patience and cooperation of visitors during this time.

Parks urges visitors to continue to recreate responsibly by following these simple tips:

  1. Know Before You Go: Check the status of the place you want to visit. If it is closed, don’t go. If it’s crowded, have a plan B.
  2. Plan Ahead: Prepare for facilities to be closed, pack a lunch and bring essentials like hand sanitizer and a face covering.
  3. Explore Locally: Limit long distance travel and make use of local parks, trails, and public spaces. Be mindful of your impact on the communities you visit.
  4. Practice Physical Distancing: Keep your group size small. Be prepared to cover your nose and mouth and give others space. If you are sick, stay home.
  5. Play It Safe: Slow down and choose lower-risk activities to reduce your risk of injury. Search and rescue operations and health care resources are both strained.
  6. Leave No Trace: Respect public lands and water, as well as Native and local communities. Take all your garbage with you.
  7. Build an Inclusive Outdoors: Be an active part of making the outdoors safe and welcoming for all identities and abilities.

Park and trail visitors can report crowding, areas that need attention, or other issues using Parks’ reporting tool, SeeClickFix at https://seeclickfix.com/king-county.

 

 RELEVANT LINKS

https://www.kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/constantine/news/release/2020/June/05-phase-covid.aspx

https://www.governor.wa.gov/issues/issues/covid-19-resources/covid-19-reopening-guidance-businesses-and-workers

Kingcountyparks.org/covid

Kingcounty.gov/covid

Publichealthinsider.gov

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Logan Harris, King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, 206-477-4516

 

ABOUT KING COUNTY PARKS

King County Parks - Your Big Backyard - offers more than 200 parks and 28,000 acres of open space, including such regional treasures as Marymoor Park and Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, 175 miles of regional trails, 215 miles of backcountry trails and a world-class aquatic center. King County Parks cultivates strong partnerships with public, private, and non-profit entities that leverage public dollars, enhance public recreation opportunities, and involve King County residents in the stewardship of King County’s open space and recreation assets.


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