Seattle parks to reopen this weekend, but you'll have to 'keep it moving'

A Seattle Parks & Recreation sign posted along Alki Beach on April 16, 2020. A Seattle Parks & Recreation sign posted along Alki Beach on April 16, 2020. Photo: Kristina Moy Photo: Kristina Moy Image 1 of / 83 Caption Close Seattle parks to reopen this weekend, but you'll have to 'keep it moving' 1 / 83 Back to Gallery

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While the Emerald City received a few pats on the back given its social distancing efforts in wake of the novel coronavirus, it seemed a few derogatory marks were headed the city's way in places like Alki Beach Park and Green Lake as parkside crowding became a bit of a complication.

In response last week, Mayor Jenny Durkan closed up 15 of Seattle's most frequented parks just prior to an Easter weekend packed with warm weather.

But as of late, outdoor enthusiasts and rollerblading connoisseurs are giving out socially-distanced cheers and fist pumps to the air. Though another mild weekend awaits, Durkan is lifting the gates and Seattleites will be free to roam about the city's greenery -- with grandeur guidelines.

Before you ready your brie and baguette for some dining al fresco, citygoers are encouraged to remain home to prevent the spread of the virus. According to Durkan's latest update, "crowded spaces will mean closed spaces."

And with great freedom comes great responsibility, so Seattleites will have to "keep it moving" if they don't want another future closure.

On Thursday, Durkan announced those 15 previously closed parks will remain open through the weekend, provided visitors remain six feet apart, and "keep it moving" by walking, running, biking, or "rolling." No barbecuing, picnicking, or sports games will be permitted, and parking lots at larger parks will remain closed to keep crowding low.

According to Durkan, the following rules will also apply this weekend:

Green Lake

Loop trail open to pedestrian use only

Walking/running loop will be one-way only

Parking lot remains closed

Seward Park

Loop trail open to pedestrian use only

Parking lot remains closed

Alki Beach

Parking lots at Seacrest and Don Armeni remain closed

Fire pits and picnic shelters are closed

No beach activities

Golden Gardens

Parking lots remain closed

Fire pits are closed

No beach activities

Seattle Parks and Recreation’s “social distancing ambassadors” will monitor park usage every hour. Spaces that become too crowded will be shut down.

Civilians can also hop in on the snitching, reporting social distancing offenders by contacting Seattle Parks and Recreation through social media, calling 206-684-4075, or emailing pks_info@seattle.gov.

In addition to the 6,414 acres park system in Seattle and 196 miles of bike lanes, bike trails and greenways, SDOT is converting 2.5 miles of existing neighborhood greenways, calm residential streets, into Stay Healthy Streets this Saturday. These car-free streets were selected to amplify outdoor exercise opportunities for areas with limited open space options, low car ownership and routes connecting people to essential services and food take out.

The first two Stay Healthy Streets will be in the Central District and West Seattle/High Point neighborhoods. Portions of neighborhood greenways along 25th Ave. S. and 34th Ave. S.W./S.W. Graham and Holly St./High Point Dr. S.W. will open up to people living in the neighborhood for walking, rolling, and biking. Stay Healthy Streets are closed to through traffic - but not residents or deliveries - 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the duration of the emergency or until otherwise noted by the City of Seattle.

While park crowds have significantly declined after a little flick to the wrist, Seattleites will have to be cautious if they don't want their outdoor privileges cut short once more.

"The Governor's order is Stay Home - not stay out," Durkan's recent statement declared. "The social distancing necessary to keep us healthy will mean a new normal for Seattle’s parks, farmers markets, and public amenities. Stay home, but if you need to exercise or go to get groceries at the farmers market, please no crowds, no gatherings, and keep it moving. We know that this virus isn't leaving our community for a long time, but I am hopeful that Seattle can adapt. I'm asking every Seattle resident: think of the nurses and health care workers on the front lines before you leave the house."

Find more details about each park and their parking availability here.

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