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Seattle Parks and Recreation news and events

Reopening Activities for More Summer Fun Announced by Seattle Parks and Recreation

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Outdoor pools, sprayparks, beaches, meals for kids and more
are tentatively scheduled

Summer is coming and boy, are we all ready for it!  After a year of restrictions and uncertainty – not to mention a long winter – everyone is looking forward to reliable sunshine, mild temps and more outdoor activities. Access to parks and open spaces is essential for our physical and mental health, as we know more than ever, and so parks are going to be very busy this spring and summer. That’s why Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) staff have been working hard on plans to welcome you back bigger and better than last year, while still keeping an eye on the changing public health situation – because as we’re currently seeing, the pandemic is not entirely in the rearview mirror.

While planning, we’re working with a number of operational restrictions. First among them is reduced financial resources. The impact of the pandemic on our ability to provide regular services can’t be understated; this detailed overview of how revenue loss has affected programming is a must-read. In addition, as the pandemic continues, many staff are working to ramp up services and prepare our parks and facilities for increased use, including addressing deferred maintenance from last year.

We remain hopeful that as more people get vaccinated, new virus cases will decline and the state, county and city guidelines will relax allowing us to gradually expand our offerings. So while these tentative plans are not set in stone, here’s our current thinking on what we hope will happen this summer. Keep in mind, our goals are multifaceted: to help people reconnect with nature and each other in a safe manner; to focus our services on BIPOC and other historically underrepresented communities; and to offer programming primarily outdoors.

Seattle Parks and Recreation Summer 2021 Plans

The schedules and locations for many of the following activities are yet to be determined. Please visit www.seattle.gov/parks for updates and check current SPR capacity information here.

AQUATICS:

  • Indoor Pools: Medgar Evers Pool is currently open; Rainier Beach Pool will open on April 19.
  • Outdoor Pools: SPR is planning to operate two unique outdoor pools for summer fun: Colman Pool (8603 Fauntleroy Way SW) and Lowery C. “Pop” Mounger Pool (32nd Ave. W).
  • Sprayparks: SPR is planning to operate 11 unstaffed sprayparks this summer. Sprayparks normally operate from 11 am – 8 pm, unless thunder and lightning are present.
  • Lifeguarded beaches: SPR is planning to offer at least 5 safe, lifeguarded beaches at sites around the city this summer. We strongly recommend swimming only where lifeguards are present.
  • Boat Ramps: Three of five motorized boat launches are fully open – Magnuson Park, Eddie Vine, and Don Armeni. The Atlantic City Boat Ramp on Lake WA Blvd. remains a COVID vaccination / testing site and is closed to boat launching. Stan Sayres Boat Ramp on Lake WA Blvd. is mostly closed while SPR awaits permits to begin repair work, but limited launching is allowed for boats and vehicles that can fit in between the block barriers to use just the central portion of the ramp.
  • Rowing and Sailing Centers: Mount Baker Rowing and Sailing Center and Green Lake Small Craft Center are working toward reopening some rowing, sailing, and paddling programs in late spring/early summer of 2021. To receive updates on reopening and registration, please sign up for one or both email lists: Green Lake Small Craft Center email list, Mount Baker Rowing and Sailing Center email list.
  • Wading Pools: SPR is looking into whether we can operate any wading pools this summer, and we will update the community as soon as a decision has been made. Due to staff capacity and budgetary concerns, opening all wading pools will not be possible this summer.

RECREATION:

  • Community Centers/Teen Centers:  Community Centers will continue to operate over the summer for childcare and teen services only (including Late Night). We expect to pilot limited indoor recreation opportunities at two community centers this summer and expand community center programming in the fall.
  • Virtual Recreation: SPR will continue to offer a variety of Virtual Recreation programs so that you can explore new opportunities to learn and engage from the safety of your own home. Visit the SPR YouTube channel, where you can explore casual recreation, environmental education, children’s story-time, and other videos created by our staff. We are also expanding our structured virtual programs, which you can browse and register for classes here.
  • Sports programs: SPR will offer a modified track program this spring and a variety of youth sports and adult sports programs this summer, including adult softball and free summer sports camps for youth.
  • Athletic Field Permits/Rentals: Sports field reservations are open. Drop-in use is allowed on SPR playfields if there are no permitted users on the field. Masks are required.
  • Golf: Jefferson, Jackson, Interbay, and West Seattle golf courses and ranges are all operating. Visit this page for contact info. and addresses.
  • Amy Yee Tennis Center: The Amy Yee Tennis Center reopened on January 21. The Center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am until 9:30 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am until 5:15 pm. Reservations are being taken at (206) 684-4764 each day beginning at 9:10 am; prepayment is required. More info. here.
  • Mobile Recreation: SPR’s Rec N the Streets program provides outdoor, mobile recreation opportunities at various park sites across Seattle and will expand services over the summer. Learn more here.
  • Summer of Safety: SPR will offer Summer of Safety (SOS), a free program that provides structured activities and a safe space for young people not connected to other supervised programs over the summer. The program is geared towards serving diverse tweens and teens from low-income families and will operate at Bitter Lake Community Center, Southwest Teen Life Center, Garfield Teen Life Center, South Park Community Center, Magnuson Community Center, and South Shore (in the South Shore K-8 School).
  • Summer Lunch Programs: SPR is planning to operate summer lunch programs to provide free meals for youth at 12 standalone sites this summer.
  • Outdoor Activity Camps: SPR will be offering 10 weeks of Summer Activity Camps at Jefferson, High Point, Loyal Heights, and Montlake community centers for children 5-12 years old. For 2021, we will not be able to offer Nature Camps at Discovery, Carkeek or Camp Long.
  • Teen Programs: SPR will keep several Teen Hubs open this summer, providing their usual academic support if Seattle Public Schools offers summer school this year. The hubs are safe places with wifi for teens to go during the pandemic, with activities and support provided by SPR staff. Some Late Night programs will be offered as well at Bitter Lake and Rainier Beach community centers and Southwest Teen Life Center, giving teens a staff-supported central location to gather with peers.

CHILDCARE:

  • Summer Childcare: Camps for children ages 5-12 will be offered at 17 locations. Scholarships are available; registration opens April 20. Details here.
  • School Age Care: SPR’s School Age Care program is open and operating at 18 sites. See more details under “Childcare” on this page, and for locations, fees and registration visit the registration portal. You can also contact your local Community Center for more information.

OUTDOOR EVENTS:

This summer, SPR will permit picnic shelter reservations, outdoor events (such as movie nights, 5k runs, and food services), as well as ceremonies and commercial photography for families and community organizations adhering to COVID safety protocols.

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As you may have noticed, there are not many indoor activities planned yet for this summer. This is due to an abundance of caution as we monitor public health conditions, and as we prioritize staff and financial resources. These factors steered us towards planning to welcome the community back through our outdoor opportunities. We’re confident, however, that this summer will allow us to offer a few pilot indoor activities.

Because public health conditions seem to be two steps forward, one step back, please keep on doing your part to social distance, wear a mask, and keep groups small. Be sure to follow this page for all the current info on what’s open and closed. Whatever we end up with, we’re very optimistic that this summer will be filled with opportunities for fun, connecting with community, and celebrating how resilient we and the world around us can be.  

Lake Washington beaches closed May 23-24 for Milfoil treatments

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Seattle Parks and Recreation, with permitting from Washington State Dept of Ecology, will be using aquatic herbicides to systemically control aquatic weeds. The goal is to improve water quality by managing the invasive milfoil at Seattle’s freshwater beaches, swim areas, moorages, and high-use recreation sites.

The first treatment is scheduled to happen Wednesday, May 23. All Lake Washington beaches will be closed May 23.

The treatment map can be viewed at http://arcg.is/014eyP

More information available here.

Permitted use of an aquatic herbicide is endorsed by Washington Department of Ecology as a systemic solution to control specific aquatic weeds that impact recreation and water quality. The permit covers the City owned properties on Lake Washington, Bitter Lake and Ship Canals –Lake Union.

Dive into summer fun!

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Schedules for beaches, pools, wading pools and sprayparks

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) has tons of ways for you to get your feet wet this summer! Visit one of our two outdoor pools, eight indoor pools, nine lifeguarded beaches, 22 wading pools or nine sprayparks. Whether you’re looking to dive into the deep end or dip your toes in a wading pool, we’ve got something for you.

 

Two Outdoor Pools

SPR operates two unique outdoor pools for summer fun. Each pool offers swimming lessons, family swimming, water exercise programs and special events. The pools can also be rented for special occasions.

  • Lowery C. “Pop” Mounger Pool, at 2535 32nd Ave. W, 206-684-4708, is open daily May 12 to Sept. 9. Please note the pool will be closed for staff training on July 9 from 1 – 9 p.m. and July 22 from 8 – 11 a.m. Mounger Pool is really two pools in one place. The “big pool” has a 50-foot corkscrew slide and the warmer, shallower “little pool” is great for relaxing and for teaching little ones. Call the pool to reserve it for your own birthday party or other special event.
  • Colman Pool, at 8603 Fauntleroy Way SW, 206-684-7494, opens for the regular season on June 18 and will remain open until Sept. 3. The pool will also be open on certain pre-season weekends including May 26-28, June 2-3, June 9-10 and June 16-17; the pool will also be open for a post-season weekend on September 8 and 9. Please note the pool will be closed for the Seattle Open Swim Meets July 12-14 and 20-21. The pool enjoys a spectacular view of Puget Sound from its prime location on the beach in West Seattle’s Lincoln Park. It features heated salt water and the Giant Tube Slide!

 

Eight Indoor Pools

SPR operates eight community indoor pools for year-round fun. Each pool offers swimming lessons, family swimming, water exercise programs, lap swimming and seasonal events. And you can rent the whole pool for your own special event! More information available here: http://www.seattle.gov/parks/find/pools

 

Beaches

SPR offers safe, lifeguarded beaches at nine sites around the city, and we strongly recommend swimming only where lifeguards are present. Summer Beaches are open daily, weather permitting, from noon to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. We offer free beginning swim lessons at every beach every week for kids ages 6 and older– just register at your favorite beach. More information available at  http://www.seattle.gov/parks/find/swimming-beaches.

Pre-season: These beaches are open from May 26 through June 22 (Weekdays 2 p.m.-7 p.m.; Weekends 11 a.m.-7 p.m.)

  • East Green Lake (7201 E Green Lake Dr. N)
  • Madrona (853 Lake Washington Blvd.)

Summer (10 weeks): These beaches are open from June 23 through Sept. 3.

  • Matthews (9300 51st Ave. NE)
  • Madison (1900 43rd Ave. E)
  • Baker (2301 Lake Washington Blvd. S)
  • Seward (5902 Lake Washington Blvd. S)
  • West Green Lake (7312 W Green Lake Dr.)

Summer (9 weeks): These beaches are open from June 23 through Aug. 26.

  • East Green Lake (7201 E Green Lake Dr. N)
  • Magnuson (park entrance at NE 65th and Sand Point Way NE)
  • Madrona (853 Lake Washington Blvd.)
  • Pritchard Beach (8400 55th Ave. S)

 

Wading Pools

Your little ones will love the cool, shallow water and you can cool your own grown-up toes too! We will operate 22 wading pool sites this summer, and there are 9 parks with spray features to enjoy. We open on days with sunny skies and warm temperatures, and we update the hotline, 206-684-7796, by 9 a.m. each day to indicate whether we will fill the pools. Please note that the pools take about an hour to fill and drain each day, as required by law. The wading pool schedule is also available online at: http://www.seattle.gov/parks/find/spray-parks-and-wading-pools

 *Wading Pool schedules are subject to change. Check back at http://www.seattle.gov/parks/find/spray-parks-and-wading-pools for details.

Sprayparks

Several Seattle parks have water spray features where you can kick up your heels and cool off. More information: http://www.seattle.gov/parks/find/spray-parks-and-wading-pools

*Spraypark schedules are subject to change. Stay tuned for information on the opening of the new Yesler Terrace Park Spraypark planned for mid-summer. Check back at http://www.seattle.gov/parks/find/spray-parks-and-wading-pools for details.

Seattle Parks and Recreation temporarily closes all outdoor aquatic facilities due to weather

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Effective immediately Seattle Parks and Recreation is temporarily closing all public outdoor aquatic facilities today, Aug. 12, 2015, due to unstable weather and reports of thunder and lightning. The closure list includes:

 

Outdoor Pools

  • Lowery C. “Pop” Mounger Pool, at 2535 32nd Ave. W, 206-684-4708
  • Colman Pool, at 8603 Fauntleroy Way SW, 206-684-7494

[Read more…]

Join Seattle Parks and Recreation for the Emerald City Open Water Swim Aug. 15

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Emerald City Open Water Swim event posterWhen you live in a city surrounded by water, sometimes you need to think bigger than a swimming pool. Join Seattle Parks for the annual Emerald City Open Water Swim at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15, at Andrew’s Bay in Lake Washington (Seward Park, 5900 Lake Washington Blvd. S).

There will be a half-mile triangle course and a one-mile triangle course with 30-minute and one-hour time limits. Able swimmers ages 10+ can register for either the half-mile straight course or one-mile triangle course. Participants who want the ultimate challenge can register for both races at a discounted price.

Certified lifeguards will be on duty. Awards will be given to the top overall male and female swimmers, and every registered swimmer will receive a specially designed commemorative swim cap and shirt. [Read more…]

Seattle Parks and Recreation reminds public to recreate safely at beaches and pools

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With high temperatures predicted across Western Washington this summer, Seattle Parks and Recreation wants to remind the public about water safety precautions. During the last four years, there were only five days in the month of June when temperatures reached more than 80 degrees. In 2015, June saw at least 15 days with 80+-degree heat.

Lifeguarded beaches opened in Seattle on Saturday, June 20. Since then lifeguards have performed 16 water rescues. By this same time last summer, only three water rescues were necessary. [Read more…]

Green Lake algae scum with toxins found; only harmful where scum is found

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Toxic algae has been found in accumulated scum along the shores of Green Lake; however the lake is not closed and remains open to many activities.

King County Department of Natural Resources has been conducting weekly testing of water collected at the east and west swimming beaches at Green Lake as well as scum samples submitted through the State Toxic Algae Program. After each test, the information is reviewed by Public Health – Seattle & King County. Tests have revealed that the toxins are currently found in the scummy algae that accumulate and drift in some places along the lakeshore. Due to toxicity levels and algae movement, Public Health does not recommend closure at this time. [Read more…]

Explore the shore with Seattle Aquarium’s Beach Naturalists

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Seattle Aquarium’s beach naturalists lead explorations during low tides.

 

A group of crabs is called a cast, and they communicate by waving their pincers or beating their claws.

A group of local citizens who care about Puget Sound beaches are called Beach Naturalists, and they’ll communicate with you about the wonders of the Pacific Northwest’s marine life if you visit one of our specified beaches this summer.

Every year during low tides, Seattle Aquarium’s Beach Naturalists lead exploration events on regional beaches. The Naturalists teach visitors about how to enjoy beaches while preserving important ecosystems and protecting resident marine life.

The Beach Naturalist events launched May 19 at Richmond Beach, Carkeek Park, Golden Gardens Park, South Alki Beach and Lincoln Park. Events will take place throughout the summer at various locations through Aug. 2.

For a detailed schedule, visit the Beach Naturalist program’s website.

Seattle Parks and Recreation Labor Day and seasonal closures

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Many Seattle Parks and Recreation facilities will be closed Monday, Sept. 1, in observance of Labor Day.

These facilities and services are CLOSED:

  • Community centers
  • Environmental learning centers
  • Indoor swimming pools
  • Green Lake Small Craft Center
  • Mount Baker Rowing and Sailing Center
  • Amy Yee Tennis Center
  • Beaches (East Green Lake, Madrona, Magnuson, Pritchard closed for the season on
    Aug. 24)

These facilities are OPEN on regular schedules:

  •  Boat ramps
  • Sprayparks (All 10 sprayparks are open; Sept. 1 is the last day of operation for the season)
  • Beaches (Matthews, Madison, Mount Baker, Seward Park, West Green Lake – Sept. 1 is the last day of operation for the season)
  • Wading pools (Green Lake, Lincoln Park, Van Asselt, Volunteer – Sept. 1 is the last day of operation for the season)
  • Mounger Pool (Sept. 7 is the last day of operation for the season)
  • Colman Pool (Closed Sept. 2-5, open Sept. 6-7, then closed for the season)
  • Interbay, Jackson Park, Jefferson Park and West Seattle golf courses

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Beat the heat this summer at beaches, pools, wading pools and spray parks

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When it’s hot this summer, Seattle residents don’t need to go far to cool off. Seattle Parks and Recreation has a long list of places to get cool in the water, including beaches, wading pools and water spray features and outdoor pools.

2 Outdoor Pools
Parks operates two unique outdoor pools for summer fun. Each offers swimming lessons, family swimming, water exercise programs and special events. The pools can also be rented for special occasions.

Lowery C. “Pop” Mounger Pool, at 2535 32nd Ave. W, 206-684-4708, is open daily from May 10 through September 7. Mounger Pool is really two pools in one place. The “big pool” has a 50-foot corkscrew slide and the warmer, shallower “little pool” is great for relaxing and for teaching little ones. Call the pool to reserve it for your own birthday party or other special event.

Colman Pool, at 8603 Fauntleroy Way SW, 206-684-7494, opens for the regular season at noon on June 14 and will remain open until Sept. 1. The pool will also be open on certain pre- and post-season weekends including May 24-26, May 31-June 1, June 7-8 and Sept. 6-7. The pool enjoys a spectacular view of Puget Sound from its prime location on the beach in West Seattle’s Lincoln Park. It features heated salt water and the Giant Tube Slide!

SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT COLMAN: Colman Pool is closed to the public June 26-28 and July 11-12 for swim meets.

Wading Pools and Water Spray Features
Your little ones will love the cool, shallow water and you can cool your own grown-up toes too. We will operate 15 wading pool sites this summer, and there are 10 parks with spray features to enjoy. Please note that the pools take about an hour to fill and drain each day, as required by law. Some wading pools are open on June 21 and the rest will be open the following week. Closing dates vary from mid-August to Sept. 1. See http://www.seattle.gov/parks/SummerGuide.htm. Wading pools are open on days with sunny skies and warm temperatures. Call the hotline at 206-684-7796 by 9 a.m. each day for find out whether pools will be filled. All spray features are open from May 24 to Sept. 1.

Four-day-a-week Wading Pools (both are open noon to 6:45 p.m.):

  • Hiawatha Community Center, 2700 California Ave. SW, Wed/Thurs/Fri/Sat
  • Delridge Community Center, 4501 Delridge Way SW, Mon/Tues/Sat/Sun

Three-day-a-week Wading Pools (all are open from noon to 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted):

  • Bitter Lake, 13035 Linden Ave. N, Wed/Thu/Fri
  • Cal Anderson Park, 1635 11th Ave., noon to 6:45 p.m., Fri/Sat/Sun
  • Dahl Playfield, 7700 25th Ave. NE, Tues/Wed/Thurs
  • East Queen Anne, 160 Howe St., Sun/Mon/Tue
  • E.C. Hughes, 2805 SW Holden St., Wed/Thu/Fri
  • Soundview, 1590 NW 90th St., Sat/Sun/Mon
  • South Park, 8319 8th Ave. S, Sun/Mon/Tue
  • Wallingford, 4219Wallingford Ave. N, Wed/Thu/Fri

Daily Wading Pools (all are open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted):

  • Green Lake, N 73rd and E Green Lake Dr. N
  • Lincoln Park, 8600 Fauntleroy Ave. SW
  • Magnuson, eastern end of NE 65th St., noon to 6:30 p.m.
  • Van Asselt, 2820 S Myrtle St.
  • Volunteer Park, 1400 E Galer St.

Daily Water Spray Parks (all are open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.):

  • Ballard Commons, 5701 22nd Ave. NW
  • Beacon Mountain at Jefferson Park, 3901 Beacon Ave. S
  • John C. Little, 6961 37th Ave. S
  • Lower Judkins, 2150 S Norman St.
  • Georgetown Playfield, 750 S Homer St.
  • Highland Park, 1100 SW Cloverdale
  • Lake Union Park, 860 Terry Ave. N
  • Miller Community Center, 330 19th Ave. E
  • Northacres Park, 12800 1st Ave. NE
  • Pratt Park, 1800 S Main St.

Beaches open June 21
Parks offers safe, lifeguarded beaches at nine sites around the city, and we strongly recommend swimming only where lifeguards are present. Beaches open June 21, weather permitting, from noon to 7 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Amenities range from swim rafts and low and high diving boards to nearby wading pools, play areas, ballfields and more.

These beaches are open through Sept. 1:

  • Matthews, 9300 51st Ave. NE
  • Madison, 1900 43rd Ave. E
  • Mt. Baker, 2301 Lake Washington Blvd. S
  • Seward, 5902 Lake Washington Blvd. S
  • West Green Lake, 7312 W Green Lake Dr.

These beaches are open through Aug. 24:

  • East Green Lake, 7201 E Green Lake Dr. N
  • Magnuson, park entrance at NE 65th and Sand Point Way NE
  • Madrona, 853 Lake Washington Blvd.
  • Pritchard Beach, 8400 55th Ave. S

For a more complete and detailed listing of fun summer activities in Seattle parks, please visit the 2014 Summer Guide.