City of Kirkland Opens up Playgrounds

Published on September 21, 2020

Media Contact:
Kellie Stickney
Communications Program Manager
kstickney@kirklandwa.gov
(425) 979-6562

City of Kirkland Opens up Playgrounds in Response to Increased Mask Wearing and Social Distancing

 Docks, piers and parking currently reopened at Houghton Beach and Brink Park

KIRKLAND, Wash. – In response to higher rates of mask wearing and greater attention to social distancing, the City of Kirkland Parks and Community Services Department reopened playgrounds today, Monday, September 21, that had been closed earlier this year to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Playgrounds on Lake Washington School District property will remain closed during the school day. Additional signage has been installed to remind visitors of the importance of wearing a mask, using hand sanitizer, social distancing, and avoiding large gatherings of more than five people. Volleyball and basketball courts and athletic fields will remain closed as they cater to and attract crowds larger than the current group size limit.

“We want to thank the public for following public health’s guidance regarding mask wearing and social distancing,” said Parks and Community Services Director Lynn Zwaagstra. “The community’s attention to the public health orders has resulted in our ability to reopen these important recreational opportunities.”

Additionally, waterfront parks have returned to their regular closing time of 10 p.m. These hours had been shortened earlier this summer to stop late night large gatherings and parties at these parks. The fencing that had been installed to close docks and piers at Houghton Beach and Brink Park piers has also been removed. The Houghton Beach parking lot has been re-opened.

“In order to keep these recreational opportunities open, we need the community to keep up the good work and continue to wear masks and avoid large gatherings,” said Zwaagstra. “If you arrive at a playground that has more than five people, please wait until others leave or choose a different park for your recreation. We hope that through our collective efforts we will be able to open additional amenities in the future.”

For more information regarding how Kirkland Parks and Community Services is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic please visit www.kirklandwa.gov/playitsafe.

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