Enjoying The Great Outdoors

Summer is here! Time to get outside and play - safely.

Updated July 17: Mercer Island parks and trails, athletic fields and courts, the boat launch, P-Patch, dog park, skate park, and beaches are open for non-organized recreation!

Continue to practice physical distancing in parks, on trails, and while boating.

Remember, King County is in Phase 2 which only allows for gatherings of up to 5 people. Please keep your distance from others and avoid gatherings. Wear a mask when you can't maintain a distance of 6 feet from others.

Consider visiting early in the morning when parks are much less crowded.

With our limited staffing, City parks won’t look as maintained as you may be used to. You can help by following “pack it in, pack it out” practices.

Remember, Safety First when playing in and around water.

The MI Boat Launch and beaches are open. As you make your plans to get out on the water, please remember your water safety. Lake Washington is still COLD, and all swimmers and boaters should always wear a life jacket. (See below for more information.)

Mercer Island beaches are not staffed with lifeguards.

Many Federal, State, and County parks and trails are open.

Here are a just few tips to help you and your family stay healthy while enjoying the outdoors:

1. Plan ahead.
   • Be prepared to go somewhere else if your destination seems crowded.
   • Add hand sanitizer and a mask or other face covering to your 10 Essentials. (Are you wearing your face covering properly?)
2. Keep your distance.
   • Recreate with those in your household and up to 5 others.
   • Give others plenty of room, communicate who will step aside on the trail, and don’t forget that trail etiquette gives hikers coming uphill the right of way.
3. Stay local.
   • Don’t stray too far from home when recreating.
   • Help keep rural communities safe by minimizing stops and bringing all that you’ll need for your outing.
4. Play it safe.
   • Keep your activities within your comfort and skill level to reduce the risk of injury and adding to the strain on our health care and emergency services.
5. Leave no trace.
   • Pack it in, Pack it out! Take any garbage with you, including disposable face masks and gloves.

Some of the ways we recreate have changed in the era of COVID-19, but don't worry - there are plenty of resources to help you navigate you favorite pastimes. Check out the links below:

• Tips for Navigating Social Distancing + Boating
• Fishing in the Time of COVID-19
• King County Parks – Status of County parks, trails, and facilities
• Washington Department of Natural Resources – Recreation Openings
• Washington State Parks – COVID-19 Resources
• Washington Trails Association – Hiking in the Time of Coronavirus
• Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance – 10 New Rules of the Trail
• Cascade Bicycle Club – COVID-19 resources for cyclists
• Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust – COVID-19 Recreation Information
• Access Fund – COVID-19 resources for climbers
• The Mountaineers – How to: Stay Home, Stay Healthy
• Leave No Trace – Recommendations for Getting Outside during COVID-19