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.

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.

King County Parks in White Center include:

    • North Shorewood Park, SW 102nd St & 24th Ave SW
    • Steve Cox Memorial Park, 1321 SW 102nd Street
    • White Center Heights Park, SW 102nd St and 7th Ave SW
    • Dick Thurnau Memorial Park, 11050 10th Ave SW

“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 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 Seattlites, but we must be smart about our behaviors during this unprecedented emergency. We cannot allow congregating in parks or individuals dismissing the guidance that we have been given by our public health leaders,” said Mayor Jenny Durkan.

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.

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