Local officials stress safety measures in area parks

THURSTON COUNTY –– As parks in the greater Olympia area start to open up under “Safe Start” Phase 3, government officials are starting to spread the word about what to do to stay safe while enjoying local parks. 

Lacey, Tumwater, Olympia and the county require members of the public six years old and older to wear masks when enjoying city and county parks unless they are alone. Masks are recommended for children between three and five years old. All members of the public are also encouraged to use the bathroom at home since public restrooms at city and county parks might be limited, and to practice social distancing as much as possible. 

Parkgoers are also advised to go home if there’s a crowd, and to also bring hand sanitizer and water when going to the park. All park users should take any trash they create with them when they go home, and to stay home if symptoms of any illness start to show. 

Olympia also updated its park information under Phase 3. No more than 50 people can attend one gathering under current restrictions, and two park areas –– Woodruff Park Sprayground and Heritage Fountain –– remain closed. 

In Tumwater, all sport courts, including tennis and basketball courts, are all open, as well as the city's trails. 

"What is also now open are the playgrounds, and the picnic shelters are now open again for groups of 50 or less," said Marisa Worden, recreation marketing specialist for the City of Tumwater. "So we are going to be putting up new signage in our parks that reflect those changes."