CLOSURE: Seattle Parks closing some parking lots

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

That photo of the now-closed Don Armeni Boat Ramp lot, from Stewart L., just arrived about the same time as Seattle Parks made this announcement:

In an effort to encourage social distancing and reduce the number of congregating crowds, the City of Seattle has closed parking at the eight destination parks, closed all beaches to gatherings and prohibited access to Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area and Rattlesnake Ledge Trail near North Bend. Last week, the City and County announced that play areas and other high touch areas would be closed, and reinforced that congregating in parks is not allowed at this time.

The Seattle Parks and Recreation eight destination parks are Green Lake, Lincoln, Golden Gardens, Seward Park, Magnuson Park, Gas Works, Alki Beach, and Discovery. All Seattle beaches will no longer be open for gatherings; however, will remain open for walking or general exercise. Parking lots will be closed beginning Wednesday, March 25. Understanding the Governor’s Stay at Home, Stay Healthy order, residents are encouraged to visit the 479 local neighborhood parks or to bike or walk to these destination parks, which will remain open for public use.

SPR and SPD will also continue to deploy staff to encourage social distancing at these highly frequented parks as well as locations such as Cal Anderson and Volunteer Park.

“We still want people to be able to enjoy our parks during this stressful time. But we have seen many of our parks have become too busy to allow folks to properly create social distance. Our hope is that closing parking lots will reduce crowds. If folks are not able to maintain six feet of space, we will need to close parks,” said Jesús Aguirre.

As always, Seattle Parks and Recreation asks residents to:

Use social distancing: the most effective tool we have to slow the spread of COVID-19 is social distancing. We are asking people to abide by social distancing guidelines in Seattle Parks.

Do not access off limits equipment or areas: as of last week, Seattle and King County have closed all play areas and other high touch areas, such as picnic shelters, tables, and outdoor exercise equipment.

Do not congregate in parks: the means no pick-up games, no picnics, BBQs, parties, or bonfires.

Six feet for activities: Hiking, biking, walking are all great ways to enjoy parks right now, just remember to give a wide berth to your fellow residents.

Again, the parks/beaches are not closed – just closed to gathering, and to parking. We note that Don Armeni isn’t specifically mentioned so we’re following up.

Matt March 24, 2020 (3:56 pm)

Does anyone know if during this you can fish at Lincoln park. Considering the trails will be open for walking I thought I would ask as long as observing the 6 feet rule.

Community Member March 28, 2020 (10:53 am)

New changes on fishing: https://komonews.com/news/local/wash-state-halts-all-fishing-through-april-8-due-to-coronavirus

Alki resident March 24, 2020 (5:15 pm)

I’m not surprised the gates are closed at Don Armeni Park. The parking lot is a gathering place for sport cars.

Lena March 24, 2020 (5:27 pm)

I understand why they are doing this but it’s hard for us disabled people who can’t walk into a park without being able to park close. Once again understand that because people won’t follow the rules that this is to protect us all.

Chris March 24, 2020 (5:49 pm)

the simple core of what is allowed is social distancing which involves not congregating in groups and in your sole activities implementing proper social distancing protocol. I assume you are fishing alone. Then enjoy your time fishing.

Dmann March 24, 2020 (7:03 pm)

Fishing at Lincoln Park by the pool maybe catch and release, area 10 and 11 probably have different rules. westseattleblog can we haul the boat in and out there at Armeni with the gate locked?

Bradley March 24, 2020 (8:11 pm)

I think it’s DANGEROUS to close the Lincoln Park lots. Visitors have to park on the east side of Fauntleroy and cross two opposing lanes of heavy traffic. COVID-19 is about 2.3% fatal. Getting hit by a barreling Metro bus while crossing Fauntleroy is 100% fatal. It also eliminates disabled access, which is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. More users may choose to take the bus to the park instead of driving, which will expose them and others to more COVID-19 risk. Those 135 acres are needed more now than ever for West Seattle residents to get safely away from each other. It shouldn’t be a City-created hazard to access it.

Mr J March 25, 2020 (5:46 am)

Or… we can follow the Governor’s stay-at-home proclamation and, y’know, stay home. But feel free to look at 2.3% of the people in your family and let them know a fatality is acceptable in order for you to have access to a parking lot when you should be staying home.
- Bradley March 25, 2020 (1:28 pm)
  
  The Proclamation isn’t a “stay-at-home” order. It also lists outdoor exercise under “essential need”. That’s why all Seattle parks are open. The Proclamation is a business closure and a ban on non-immediate-family gatherings of more than one in public. Outdoor exercise is the best way to boost the immune system, which is why it is listed as an essential need under every state business closure Order.
  - Vic March 25, 2020 (1:49 pm)
    
    It is indeed a stay at home order with exceptions for outdoor exercise and essential supply runs as long as you keep distance. If people live far enough from the park that they need to drive, maybe just walk around your immediate neighborhood. that’s what my family has been doing.
Proof March 26, 2020 (8:04 am)

The death rate of 2-3% deaths per case published by cdc1 in the USA is actually less than 0.3%. 2-3% death rate is the driver of the panic. It is incorrect because the 1) people tested have severe symptoms. Pence2 emphasized people with severe symptoms are tested. Even CDC says 80% of people1 show mild symptoms(and are not tested). 2) Data from Pence2 and WHO3 show a death rate of 1.4% with tests of very ill people in the USA. (positive tests)/ (Covid-19 infections adding non tested)=0.2(20%). 1.4% x 20%= death rate 0.3% deaths/infection.Footnotes:(1)www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6912e2.htm(2) Mike Pence 3/21 on YouTube said there are 19343 cases from 195k tests with results in the USA. Pence emphasized people with severe symptoms are tested. He said deaths are less than 300. 270deaths/19434cases=1.4%.(3)deaths 150/cases 10422=1.4% in the USA.www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200320-sitrep-60-covid-19.pdf?sfvrsn=d2bb4f1f_2 Random tests for covid-19 are needed to establish the death rate/infection.