In response to higher rates of mask wearing and greater attention to social distancing, the City of Kirkland Parks and Community Services department reopened playgrounds today, Monday, Sept. 21, that had been closed earlier this year to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Additional signage has been installed to remind visitors of the importance of wearing a mask, using hand sanitizer, social distancing, and avoiding large gatherings of more than five people.

Volleyball and basketball courts and athletic fields will remain closed as they cater to and attract crowds larger than the current group size limit.

“We want to thank the public for following public health’s guidance regarding mask wearing and social distancing,” Parks and Community Services Director Lynn Zwaagstra stated in a press release. “The community’s attention to the public health orders has resulted in our ability to reopen these important recreational opportunities.”

Waterfront parks have returned to their regular closing time of 10 p.m. These hours had been shortened earlier this summer to stop late night large gatherings and parties at these parks, as reported in Kirkland Reporter. The fencing that had been installed to close docks and piers at Houghton Beach and Brink Park piers has also been removed. The Houghton Beach parking lot has been re-opened.

“In order to keep these recreational opportunities open, we need the community to keep up the good work and continue to wear masks and avoid large gatherings,” Zwaagstra states. “If you arrive at a playground that has more than five people, please wait until others leave or choose a different park for your recreation. We hope that through our collective efforts we will be able to open additional amenities in the future.”

For more information regarding how Kirkland Parks and Community Services is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic please visit kirklandwa.gov/playitsafe.