Everett Parks Issue Reminder On Do’s And Don’ts In The Nice Weather

Everett Parks today issued guidance on what people can and can’t do when it comes to enjoying the City’s parks during this time of social distancing.

When the sun comes out and temperatures warm up, the outdoors may be calling. Before heading out for some fresh air, we ask community members to be mindful of changes to our parks and follow public health guidelines from state and local health officials.

In response to COVID-19 and Governor Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, we closed our park gates, restrooms and amenities. Active areas such as sports courts, ball fields, playgrounds, boat launches, skate parks, beaches and off-leash areas are closed until further notice.

Under the governor’s order, Washington residents may go outside for exercise, walks and taking the dog out, as long as at least six feet of social distance is maintained at all times, and people avoid travel and crowds. If you do go outside, stick to nearby parks, trails or neighborhoods with your immediate household only and follow the guidelines below. Groups and gatherings of all sizes are prohibited.

It will take each and every one of us doing our part to keep our community safe and healthy. Everett parks will be ready for play and adventure when the public health risk has passed.

Do:
Stay close to your home. If you have to take a car, it’s too far.
Limit your park use to short walks, runs or bike rides through open areas and trails.
Keep pets on a leash.
Maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet from others.
Pack it in, pack it out. Take your trash and belongings home with you when you leave.
Follow public health guidelines and the governor’s stay home order.

Don’t:
Don’t park in front of park gates or other no parking areas – it is prohibited and may result in a fine. Emergency services need access at all times.
Don’t enter closed areas. Playgrounds, picnic areas, bathrooms and active recreation areas, like sports courts, ballfields and skate parks, are closed until further notice. Many of these are high-touch areas where social distancing is difficult.
Don’t gather. This includes having a picnic or playing a game of ball or frisbee with your friends. Park use should be limited to walks, runs and bike rides with members of your immediate household only.
Don’t leave your trash in the park. Take it with you to throw away at home.

Park maintenance
With social distancing measures in place, parks maintenance teams are prioritizing tasks considered immediately necessary including urgent repairs, emergency response and preservation activities. Regular grounds maintenance will be performed sparingly to prevent overgrowth and damage to parks. All other work not immediately necessary will be delayed until further notice.

What’s closed?
Park gates
Parking lots
Restrooms
Playgrounds
Skate parks
Ball fields
Sports courts
Golf courses
Beaches
Boat launches
Off-leash areas
Picnic shelters
Other parks amenities and active areas

What’s open?
Trails*
Walkways*
Greenspaces*
*Open areas are only open to individuals for passive recreation such as walks, runs, leashed dog walks and bike rides. Groups and gatherings of any size (outside of immediate households) are prohibited under the governor’s stay home order.

Questions?
We can be reached at 425-257-8300 or recreation@everettwa.gov. Due to limited staffing at the recreation office, voicemails and emails will be returned within 24 hours. Thank you for your patience during this time.