King County Parks closing more facilities in response to COVID-19; visitors urged to ‘Stay home, stay healthy’

March 25, 2020

Summary

To support the new statewide “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19, King County Parks is closing parks, effective Wednesday, March 25. Gated parking lots and trailheads will be closed, and restrooms will be locked.

Story

As part of its ongoing efforts to protect public health and curb transmission of COVID-19, King County Parks is closing parks beginning Wednesday, March 25, when parking lot and trailhead gates will be locked, and restrooms will be closed. King County does not have the resources at this time to actively enforce Parks closures and social distancing guidelines and will rely upon the public to follow the guidelines.

The closure comes on the heels of Gov. Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, which included guidance to further restrict groups from gatherings.  

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. King County also urges visitors to not park illegally on roadways near parks and trails, or block park gates.

On March 20, King County Parks closed all active spaces within parks – including play areas, ballfields, sports courts, and picnic shelters, where appropriate social distancing guidelines would be difficult to maintain.
 
Find the latest information about any changes to Parks facilities and programming on the King County Parks Plog at kingcountyparks.org/.

King County Parks visitors are encouraged to practice Public Health’s guidelines in preventing the spread of this virus: 

• Stay at least 6 feet away from others at all times.
• Wash hands often with soap and water. If not available, use hand sanitizer. 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. 
• Avoid contact with people who are sick. 
• Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others. 
• Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.

Visit kingcounty.gov/covid to learn more about the virus and how to prevent its spread. Keep updated on the latest developments on the Public Health – Seattle & King County blog at publichealthinsider.com. 

Other resources: 
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html 
• Washington State Department of Health doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Doug Williams, King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, 206-477-4543

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.