Kirkland Playgrounds Closed, Parks Still Open

Published on March 21, 2020

Media Contact:
Kellie Stickney
kstickney@kirklandwa.gov
425-979-6562

 KIRKLAND, Wash. – As of Saturday, March 21 all Kirkland playgrounds will be closed until further notice.

With heavy use and crowding in parks, the City is closing playgrounds to follow with Public Health — Seattle & King County recommendations of practicing social distancing. The closure includes basketball and tennis courts, and other active recreation areas where people may be in close contact.This closure follows similar announcements by King County, Seattle, Bellevue and other cities. The City is not able to sanitize playground equipment in a manner that can comply with public health guidelines.

Restrooms will remain open for now to allow the public a place to wash their hands. Social distancing and hygienic precautions should be observed in restrooms as well. 

The City has also cancelled all recreation programming, classes, and facility rentals through Friday, April 24. That includes community centers, recreation programs, facility rentals, athletic fields and picnic shelters. Green Kirkland Partnership volunteer stewardship events are also cancelled during this time.

Parks, trails and beaches remain open for walking and activities that do not require close proximity and allow for the recommended social distancing that allows six feet between people. Community centers, athletic fields and picnic shelters are anticipated to reopen on April 27, pending any additional guidelines from the state. In addition, YMCA has closed KTUB, the Kirkland Teen Center, at Peter Kirk Park through Tuesday, March 31.

All parks and recreation business can be conducted online at www.kirklandparks.net or by phone at 425-587-3300. Anyone unable to utilize a credit card or doesn’t have access to a computer for online transactions is encouraged to call the customer service center at 425-587-3300. Alternate payment methods such as cash, check or scholarship can be arranged.

Spring and summer recreation program registration begins March 19. Registration will proceed as scheduled, opening at 6 a.m. on March 19 at www.kirklandparks.net. However, only programs beginning in May will be available for registration. Programs are expected to resume in May, pending any additional guidelines received by the Washington State Department of Public Health.

Lake Washington School District Playgrounds Also Closed

In alignment with the directives Lake Washington School District has received for social distancing, LWSD will be adding increased signage at school sites to indicate that common spaces such as playgrounds are closed. For more information, visit the Lake Washington School District website. 

For more information on COVID-19 impacts, please visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Residents/Public_Safety/COVID-19__coronavirus__Information.htm.