City announces changes to park use, dock use due to COVID-19

Lee Johnson Field will open for evening activities, 6 to 11 p.m., waterfront parks, docks and piers will close daily at 9p.m

July 28, 2020 1:30 am
Back in 2017, local youngster cools off at the sprinkler park at Lee Johnson Field in downtown Kirkland. Now amidst the pandemic, the field is being used for another alternative: after-dark, socially distanced games and activities. File photo/ Samantha Pak
Back in 2017, local youngster cools off at the sprinkler park at Lee Johnson Field in downtown Kirkland. Now amidst the pandemic, the field is being used for another alternative: after-dark, socially distanced games and activities. File photo/ Samantha Pak

With outdoor sports limited in Phase 2, Kirkland is opening one athletic field for evening games and activities, with social distancing requirements.

Starting Monday, July 27 the City of Kirkland will be opening Lee Johnson Field for evening activities and closing waterfront parks, docks and piers at 9 p.m.

In response to community concerns about COVID-19, the City will close all docks and piers, with the exception of Marina Park moorage piers, daily at 9p.m. The moorage piers will be accessible for boat access only.

To allow space for young people to safely engage in evening socializing, Lee Johnson Field at Peter Kirk Park will be open from 6 to 11 p.m. daily for games and activities. The field lights will be turned on at dusk and will turn off at 11 p.m. Games will not be provided, but community members are encouraged to bring yard games like cornhole, bocce ball, ladder golf, spike ball, or giant Jenga to play. Placing stakes into the field will not be allowed.

All community members are welcome, however, the current Washington State guidelines must be followed:

  • Group size is limited to five people or less
  • Social distance of 6 feet is required if not from the same household
  • Face coverings must be worn at all times

“It is our hope that this beautiful green open space normally reserved for sports will now provide a healthy and safe alternative to the large group gatherings that we are seeing at the beaches,” Councilmember Jon Pascal stated in a press release.

More information on how our Kirkland Parks and Community Services Department is responding to COVID-19 is available at here.