Parkways Seattle Parks and Recreation

Green Lake, Lincoln, Golden Gardens, Seward Park, Magnuson Park, Gas Works, Alki Beach, and Discovery will be immediately closed to parking

All Seattle beaches will now also be closed to gathers, as well as Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area and Rattlesnake Ledge Trail and will also be closed

SEATTLE (March 24, 2020) –  In an effort to encourage social distancing and reduce the number of congregating crowds, the City of Seattle has closed parking at the eight destination parks, closed all beaches to gatherings and prohibited access to Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area and Rattlesnake Ledge Trail near North Bend. Last week, the City and County announced that play areas and other high touch areas would be closed, and reinforced that congregating in parks is not allowed at this time.

The Seattle Parks and Recreation eight destination parks are Green Lake, Lincoln, Golden Gardens, Seward Park, Magnuson Park, Gas Works, Alki Beach, and Discovery. All Seattle beaches will no longer be open for gatherings however will remain open for walking or general exercise. Parking lots will be closed beginning Wednesday, March 25. Understanding the Governor’s Stay at Home, Stay Healthy order, residents are encouraged to visit the 479 local neighborhood parks or to bike or walk to these destination parks, which will remain open for public use.

SPR and SPD will also continue to deploy staff to encourage social distancing at these highly frequented parks as well as locations such as Cal Anderson and Volunteer Park.

“We still want people to be able to enjoy our parks during this stressful time. But we have seen many of our parks have become too busy to allow folks to properly create social distance. Our hope is that closing parking lots will reduce crowds. If folks are not able to maintain six feet of space, we will need to close parks,” said Jesus Aguirre

As always, Seattle Parks and Recreation asks residents to:

• Use social distancing: the most effective tool we have to slow the spread of COVID-19 is social distancing. We are asking people to abide by social distancing guidelines in Seattle Parks.
• Do not access off limits equipment or areas: as of last week, Seattle and King County have closed all play areas and other high touch areas, such as picnic shelters, tables, and outdoor exercise equipment.
• Do not congregate in parks: the means no pick-up games, no picnics, BBQs, parties, or bonfires.
• Six feet for activities: Hiking, biking, walking are all great ways to enjoy parks right now, just remember to give a wide berth to your fellow residents.

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) has been following the guidelines from the Governor’s Office that allowed hiking trails, including Rattlesnake Ledge Trail, to remain open. However, over the weekend, Rattlesnake Ledge Trail saw upwards of 4,000 visitors, indicating that people were coming in large numbers and not following social distancing protocols. The recreation area and trail will be closed starting tomorrow, March 25, to prevent crowd densities that preclude safe social distancing and recreation.

“Rattlesnake Ledge Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in the region and we certainly understand the desire to visit the site and enjoy being outdoors, especially at this time. But keeping the area open is attracting crowds that make it impossible to practice the social distance protocols we are all being asked to follow for the health of our communities. We look forward to re-opening Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area and Rattlesnake Ledge Trail when it’s safe to do so,” said Mami Hara, SPU General Manager and CEO.

Gates to the parking lot will be closed by watershed protection staff beginning this evening. Signs will be installed to indicate to residents that the recreation area and trail are now closed. More information can be found on the Seattle Public Utilities website.

For more information about Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area and Rattlesnake Ledge Trail, the public can call (206) 733‐9421 or email crwprograms@seattle.gov.

We know that time outdoors can have many benefits—both mental and physical, and that our parks and open space provide a critical support to our community during this difficult time.

Parks and trails are open for activities where social distancing can be maintained, such as walking, jogging, cycling and nature viewing. Please enjoy these activities alone or with your family. DO NOT congregate (gather in groups) when visiting parks, and please practice social distancing by staying 6 feet away from others.

Parks and trails are NOT open for gathering in groups. Bonfires, picnics, organized athletic games and pickup games are not permitted. All playgrounds/play areas are closed.

PARKING LOTS are closed at these popular parks: Green Lake, Lincoln Park, Golden Gardens, Seward Park, Magnuson Park, Gas Works Park, Alki Beach, and Discovery Park. This is to help disperse crowded conditions.

Please see below for a detailed list of what’s open and what’s closed in our parks and open spaces.

Amenity	Status
Adult Fitness Equipment	Closed
Baseball/Softball	Open for family play*; no congregating/gathering in groups allowed
Basketball (Full and Half)	Open for family play*; no congregating/gathering in groups allowed
BBQs	Closed
Bike Polo	Open for family play*; no congregating/gathering in groups allowed
Bike Trail	Open
Boat Launch (Hand Carry and Motorized)	Open
Boat Moorage	Open to renters only
Community Center	Closed
Cricket	Open for family play*; no congregating/gathering in groups allowed
Disc Golf	Open for family play*; no congregating/gathering in groups allowed
Dog Off-Leash Area	Open
Environmental Learning Center	Closed
Fire Pit	Closed
Fishing	Open
Football and Flag Football	Open for family play*; no congregating/gathering in groups allowed
Garden	Open (with the exception of the Japanese Garden and the Volunteer Park Conservatory)
Golf	Closed
Green Space	Open
Beaches	Open (no lifeguards on duty)
Hiking Trails	Open
Horseshoe Pits	Open
Lacrosse	Open for family play*; no congregating/gathering in groups allowed
Lawn Bowling	Operated by third party
Paths	Open
Pickleball Court	Open for family play*; no congregating/gathering in groups allowed
Picnic Sites	Closed
Play Area	Closed
Pools  (Indoor and Outdoor)	Closed
P-Patch Community Garden	Operated by third party
Rental Facility	Closed
Restrooms and Drinking Fountains	Open
Rugby	Open for family play*; no congregating/gathering in groups allowed
Scuba Diving	Open
Skatepark/Skatespot	Open
Soccer	Open for family play*; no congregating/gathering in groups allowed
T-Ball	Open for family play*; no congregating/gathering in groups allowed
Tennis Court or Tennis Backboard (Outdoor)	Open for family play*; no congregating/gathering in groups allowed
Tennis Lights	Closed
Track	Open
Ultimate	Open for family play*; no congregating/gathering in groups allowed
Wading Pool or Water Feature	Closed for season
Waterfront	Open
Weddings and Ceremonies	Closed
Volleyball	Open for family play*; no congregating/gathering in groups allowed
Zoo; Aquarium; Museums; Restaurants	Operated by third party

*  “Family play” refers to doing activities with your household/people you live with

To help prevent the further spread of COVID-19, Seattle Parks and Recreation is following guidance from Public Health — Seattle & King County and closing all playgrounds, sports courts, and picnic shelters.

Our parks, trails and open spaces continue to remain open at this time. We ask that visitors please follow public health guidelines and practice social distancing by staying 6 feet or at least arm’s length away from others.  

See the full press release here or below for more details:

King County and City of Seattle close playgrounds and sports courts, parks and trails users directed to follow social distancing guidelines

Summary

As part of its evolving response to the COVID-19 outbreak and with guidance from Public Health – Seattle & King County, King County Parks and Seattle Parks and Recreation are closing active recreation areas in parks, including sports courts, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and other areas where essential social distancing guidelines are difficult to achieve.

Story

To follow COVID-19 social distancing guidelines established by Public Health—Seattle & King County and the Washington Department of Health, King County Parks and Seattle Parks and Recreations are closing sports courts, playground equipment, and other active recreation areas where it could be difficult to maintain recommended social distancing guidelines.

Ballfields and playfields are open for walking and other non-team activities.

The closure includes picnic shelters, basketball and tennis courts, ballfields, and other active recreation locations. Parks, natural lands, regional trails, backcountry trails, and beaches where social distancing can be maintained remain open.

Pick-up games, picnics, and other large gatherings will not be permitted.

Restrooms within parks will continue to be open to the public, and will be cleaned and sanitized frequently.

“With schools closed and people adapting to new work habits, our parks and open spaces can provide an important break in these stressful times. It is clear, however, that we must continue to be vigilant in these places as well, and make sure all our residents put into practice Public Health directives,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “Go for a hike. Take the family for a stroll. Kick a soccer ball around with your kids. But use good sense and avoid gatherings, team sports, pick-up games, and playground equipment.”

“Parks are beloved by all, but we must be smart about our behaviors during this unprecedented public health emergency. We are in a new normal. While individuals and families can bike, walk, or run, we cannot allow gatherings at Seattle’s best locations including Alki, Golden Gardens, Seward, Volunteer Park or Magnuson. Every single resident should take social distancing guidelines to heart – it could save someone’s life,” said Mayor Jenny Durkan.

“We know that parks and open space provide a critical support to our communities during this difficult time, and we want to provide these opportunities to find respite and relief in nature, but we need to be able to do so in way that does not work against our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. We encourage residents and visitors to practice social distancing and not participate in organized activities that go against Public Health guidance,” said Jesus Aguirre, Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent. “City and County employees will be reiterating this guidance to individuals who are not practicing social distancing.”

As noted by the National Recreation and Park Association, there are a number of specific recommendations for practicing safe social distancing when in parks or on trails, including:

• Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to heading to parks and trails — wash hands, carry hand sanitizer, do not visit public spaces if you have symptoms, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, etc.
• Observe at all times CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of six feet from other people. Practice it and know what it looks like. Keep it as you walk, bike or hike.
• Bring a suitable trash bag. Leave no trash, take everything out to protect park workers.

Community asked to follow public health guidelines and to not congregate

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) encourages everyone to follow public health guidelines and to practice social distancing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. While our community centers and pools are currently closed, SPR parks, open spaces, and trails are currently open (with the exception of the Japanese Garden and the Volunteer Park Conservatory).  

Community members are welcome to use our park spaces but please do not congregate, and we ask that you please follow public health guidelines. According to Public Health – Seattle & King County, close contact between people should be avoided (social distancing means staying 6 feet or at least arm’s length away from others).  

We’ve put together a list of additional things you may want to consider if planning to visit a park.  

Visiting a park? Here are some things to consider: 

• Consider visiting a new park: Do you love walks around Green Lake? We do too! But as one of our most popular parks, now might be a good time to consider visiting a less crowded park with more open space and more trail options, like Ravenna Park. Seattle has nearly 500 parks. Find one here: http://www.seattle.gov/parks/find/parks 

• Think open space and trails: We support community members in thinking of ways to connect with nature and get in some exercise while practicing social distancing, such as going on a hike (we have miles of developed and semi-developed trails–find one here) or playing catch with your family at a field. While all organized athletic events have been canceled, our fields are still open for unorganized play.  

• A small dose of nature can do wonders: Studies show a quick trip to the park can boost your mood: “Just 10 minutes of exposure to nature, two to three times per week, produces mental-restoration benefits. And short nature timeouts can happen in small, urban green spaces or your own backyard.” (Read more here).  

• If able, think about going further afield: We are blessed to live in an area surrounded by trees, trails, mountains, and incredible outdoor opportunities. If you are considering visiting a park and are able to travel further afield, now may be a good time to explore some or our region’s larger or more remote natural areas, which may be less crowded.  

• Can’t get out? Explore virtual options! There’s nothing like getting outside, feeling the sunshine, breathing in fresh air and connecting with nature. But during these difficult times, we recognize that the opportunity to get outside is going to be limited for many. Several organizations have put together great free resources for online exercise classes, virtual at-home workouts, and other ways to explore your world and connect with others remotely. SPR is also working to explore virtual fitness and recreation programming and we will have more information about these opportunities soon. In the meantime, check out these resources:  
  • Virtual tour of 7 spots along Seattle’s future new waterfront! 
  • Five National Parks: In-Depth Virtual Tours 
  • Explore these 31 National Parks in 3D with Google Earth 
  • Virtual City Walks Around the World 
  • Grand Canyon Virtual Walk 
  • Wailea Beach Path, Maui (with only nature’s sounds) 
  • Live Webcams from Around the World 
  • Yoga for Kids
  • Virtual Tours of Top Art Museum Exhibits & Collections  
  • Live Cams at the Monterey Bay Aquarium 
  • PopSugar Fitness Videos for All Levels, Times and Interests 
  • Low impact home workouts for seniors 
  • Yoga for All Levels and Needs 
  • Fun 1 Mile Walk Party! (slow and faster walking in place) 

• Follow public health guidelines: Please follow Public Health – Seattle & King County guidelines, including the following recommendations: 
  • Social distancing: Social distancing helps slow down the spread of disease. Social distancing means staying 6 feet or at least arm’s length away from others.  
  • Outdoor gatherings for young people: Outdoor gatherings are less risky than indoors ones since COVID-19 spreads more easily when people are close together in confined spaces. Plus, it’s important for kids to get active outside time every day. Research shows that daily time for kids outdoors also boosts the health and wellbeing of the adults in their lives. Here are some steps you can take to keep children and adults safe: 
    • Continue to apply social distancing practices in these settings, like remaining 6 feet apart. 
    • Limit face-to-face contact.
    • Repeatedly clean and disinfect any shared sporting equipment, especially objects touched with hands, like balls, bats, and playground equipment. 
    • Any parents or adults that join should practice social distancing and not participate if they are sick.
  • Outdoor activities for teens: Social interaction is important to the mental health of young people. Teens that are symptom-free and without underlying health conditions can get together with small groups of friends at a time (again, the lower the number, the lower the risk). Low-contact, outdoor activities, like hiking and bike riding, are great ways for teens to socialize. Teens should avoid spending time in groups larger than 10 and crowded places, like parties, retail spaces, and movie theaters.  
  • Sporting equipment: Repeatedly clean and disinfect any shared sporting equipment, especially objects touched with hands, like balls, bats, and playground equipment. 
  • Stay home when sick or if at higher risk. Do not go out in public when you are sick. Public Health recommends that people at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible.  
  • Don’t touch your face: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you’ve just washed your hands. 

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) will delay planning for the next 6-year Park District budget. SPR began planning for the next Park District budget cycle in early 2020 in anticipation of a November 2020 vote by City Council. 

To date, the department has convened multiple Park Board and Park District Oversight Committee meetings, held one public meeting, and put an online survey out to the community. 

Due to the COVID-19 emergency, SPR has decided that this planning process and budget approval will be on hold due to challenges in getting the needed robust community input during the current health emergency. We will provide additional information once next steps are determined. 

The free shower program run by Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) for Seattle Public Schools students and community members in need will operate on a modified schedule at four community centers through at least April 13, 2020.

The City of Seattle announced on March 12 that all SPR recreation facilities, including community centers and pools, will temporarily close through at least April 13, 2020 to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Because many vulnerable populations, including people living unsheltered, rely on community centers to provide critical hygiene services, SPR will continue the shower program for those in need at Delridge, Green Lake*, Meadowbrook and Rainier community centers, and all SPR bathrooms and handwashing stations will remain open.

Please see below for the current SPR Shower Program schedule.

Delridge Community Center	M-Th: 1– 6 p.m.  Fri: 1 – 5 p.m.
Green Lake Community Center	**Update: Green Lake Showers will be closed until Tuesday, March 31.** M-F: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.  Sat: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Meadowbrook Community Center	Mon – Fri: 2:30 – 7:30 p.m.  Sat: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Rainier Community Center	Mon-Th: 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Fri: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sat: 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

If you have questions about this program, please contact your local community center for more information.

On Thursday, March 12, Governor Inslee directed all public and private schools across the state to close until April 24 to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Seattle Parks and Recreation, along with our partner ARC, worked to explore ways in which we could feasibly provide childcare services that maintain the social distancing guidelines put forward by Public Health – Seattle & King County.

After much consideration, we reached the conclusion that we are unable to provide childcare (preschool or school-age care) at this time.

We do not take this decision lightly and we are working with our partners at the state level and the local school district to find ways to keep our kids engaged and safe during these next few weeks, and to support families during these unprecedented times.

These programs will be canceled until April 24, though we will be reevaluating this decision regularly based upon the current health conditions and the needs of our school district and community. 

We have communicated this information out to currently enrolled families and will continue to communicate any updates or changes about our childcare programs to families.

Stay informed:

Please check the following resources for updates about SPR operations and facilities:

• Seattle Parks and Recreation Website: www.seattle.gov/parks
• Seattle Parks and Recreation Blog: https://parkways.seattle.gov/
• Seattle Parks and Recreation Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SeattleParksandRecreation/
• Seattle Parks and Recreation on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SeattleParks
• Public Service Announcements made by the media about Seattle Parks and Recreation closures.
• Facility Voicemails:  Please call your community center or pool for updates on their outgoing voicemail message
• Facility Facebook Pages

Free shower program to remain open

Organized outdoor activities and permitted events also canceled

As health officials and scientists have noted, we likely had 1,100 active COVID-19 infections as of March 10 in our region. If we do not act, there could be more than 25,000 cases by early April. As you likely heard, yesterday, the State and County announced additional measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, including a prohibition of events with more than 250 people, and a prohibition on events with less than 250 people, if they don’t meet public health guidance on social distancing and hygiene. We have been working round-the-clock to assess what that guidance means for Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR).

SPR continues to be in communication with, and following the guidance of, Public Health—Seattle & King County (PHSKC), the City’s Office of Emergency Management, and Washington Department of Health regarding COVID-19.  Except for the purposes of preschool programs or hygiene services, Seattle Parks and Recreation will cancel all programming, rentals, and permitted events and will close all community centers, pools, and environmental learning centers to the public. This will take effect at 6 p.m. tomorrow, March 13, and will last until at least April 13. We will be in continued contact with public health officials to evaluate our facilities beyond this timeline.

Details on licensed school-age care programs (including before- and after-school care as well as preschool programs) will be published soon and available here: https://parkways.seattle.gov/ 

Please see the list below for an overview of SPR impacts, and please see the full press release here for more details. For questions or information on refunds, please contact your local community center or pool.

**Starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 13**

TEMPORARILY CLOSED:

• Facilities: All community centers, teen life centers, pools, small craft centers, environmental learning centers, and the Amy Yee Tennis Center are closed.
• Programs: All recreation and athletic programs, including swim lessons, lap swim, youth basketball league, drop-in sports and activities, track and field programs, tennis programs, exercise classes, dance classes, art classes, and teen programs are canceled.
• Rentals: All SPR facility rentals are canceled.
• Permitted events: All permitted events are canceled.
• Specialty gardens: The Volunteer Park Conservatory and the Japanese Garden are closed.

CURRENTLY OPEN:

• Shower program: SPR’s free shower program for Seattle Public Schools students and community members in need will continue at Delridge, Green Lake, Meadowbrook, Miller and Rainier community centers.
• Parks: All SPR parks, trails and open spaces are open (with the exception of the Volunteer Park Conservatory and the Japanese Garden). Community members are encouraged to use our parks, but not to congregate and to follow public health guidance.

SPR staff is dedicated to supporting Healthy People, a Healthy Environment, and Strong Communities, and we are exploring ways for the community to continue to engage with us via virtual community and fitness programming during these temporary impacts. Please expect to see more information about these opportunities in the near future, and I encourage everyone to check the following resources for updates about SPR operations and facilities.

Stay informed:

Please check the following resources for updates about SPR operations and facilities:

• Seattle Parks and Recreation Website: www.seattle.gov/parks
• Seattle Parks and Recreation Blog: https://parkways.seattle.gov/
• Seattle Parks and Recreation Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SeattleParksandRecreation/
• Seattle Parks and Recreation on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SeattleParks
• Public Service Announcements made by the media about Seattle Parks and Recreation closures.
• Facility Voicemails:  Please call your community center or pool for updates on their outgoing voicemail message
• Facility Facebook Pages

Please click here for the full press release.