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Archives for May 2020

Beautiful fields of lupine flowers in bloom at Van Lierop Park in Puyallup

May 31, 2020 by Maegen Blue

Looking for a wildflower photo op? If you want to take pictures of your kids in front of the flowers, or just enjoy some fields of wildflowers, I know just the place!

Update: As of July, these have largely faded. I’ll work on finding you some other scenic photo ops! The park is still a nice, short walk.

It’s the Van Lierop Park in Puyallup, and as you can see, it’s gorgeous right now with fields of lupine in bloom, and yes, it’s open, so you can enjoy the short, paved paths and the eye popping views without breaking any rules.

When we were there there were about six other families, but it wasn’t hard to stay socially distant.

You’ll find it next to Farm 12 and across from the Foothills Trail. There isn’t a lot to the park right now, but there are nice, paved paths for strolling or walking.

You should also know that there are plenty of places where the kids can pose in front of the flowers without actually wading into the fields. While there aren’t actually signs saying not to, it’s just not a great idea to tromp into the actual flowers for your photos.

And, btw, if you’re down there, you may want to stop by Farm 12 for some amazing to-go eats.

 

City of University Place Playgrounds Open

May 31, 2020 by Maegen Blue

One of the big questions right now is which playgrounds are open.

So far, most playgrounds in Tacoma and Pierce County remain closed, BUT one exception is playgrounds in parks run by University Place. The City of University Place announced that their parks and playgrounds ARE open.

Note that this only includes City of UP parks. Other parks that are nearby but run by different parks departments, such as Pierce County Parks,  still have closed playgrounds to the best of our knowledge.

Here’s more information on the opening of UP playgrounds straight from their site:

U.P. Re-Opens Parks and Recreation Facilities

In response to Governor Jay Inslee’s announced relaxing of outdoor recreation restrictions in Washington, the City of University Place will re-open its parks and recreation facilities effective Monday, May 4.

U.P.’s parks and playgrounds will be open from dawn until dusk. All playground equipment will be sterilized daily, but restrooms will remain closed.

Residents who use the City’s parks are encouraged to continue to follow the basic rules of social distancing.

Here is a list of City of University Place Parks so you can see which parks are included and which include playgrounds.

 

New Northwest Trek Wild Drive Tours

May 18, 2020 by Maegen Blue

Looking for fun things to do with the family or wondering what’s open in the greater Tacoma area?

Have I got news for you!

Northwest Trek is opening just for driving tours!

You and your family can drive your own car through the free roaming area on one of their new Wild Drive tours! This is the area that you typically see on the tram ride.

Your car and a small caravan of others will be lead by a naturalist, and you’ll hear highlights via an app you download as you drive by herds of Roosevelt elk, mountain goats, and other animals from the safety of your own car.

Now, the price of this is in what I think most of us will think of as, “One time splurge,” territory, but it’s really not unreasonable if you consider the regular price of individual tickets. It might also just be a nice, special treat.  We’ve been social distancing like champs over here, and we really didn’t do much for our younger son’s bday, so I’m super excited about it personally!

You should note that weekend times for members are going fast, and I think that weekend times for non members will also likely be hot tickets once those open up.  Also note that you MUST make a reservation online, in advance. Don’t try to do this spontaneously.

You should also know that when you buy your tickets, the park will ask you to list everyone in your family who will be in your car. If you’re not o.k. with that, this isn’t the thing for you!

Here are the rest of the details straight from our friends at Trek.

ALL THE WILD DETAILS

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: Online, timed-ticketing only
Cost per vehicle:
$70 members/$80 non-members
All ages: One family or household per vehicle, maximum of 8 people per vehicle

Member only tours: May 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24 & 25
General public tours: Opens May 27, Wed-Sun

More information and a link to online ticketing is here. 

Please note that only the Wild Drive premier tours are open at Northwest Trek. Other areas of the wildlife park, including the animal habitats in our walking tour area, Kids’ Trek and Zip Wild, are temporarily closed to the public due to the governor’s Covid-19 restrictions.

Tacoma, Puyallup, Auburn, and South Sound Area Military Flyover Times May 8th

May 6, 2020 by Maegen Blue

Have you heard about military flyovers to salute our healthcare workers?

I was wondering if we would have one in the Tacoma or Seattle area, so I was excited to see this announcement from the 62nd Airlift Wing. You can read below to see when planes will be doing a flyover salute near you! We have times for Tacoma, Auburn, Olympia, Gig Harbor, Puyallup, and other South Sound area spots. If someone at your house is a plane fan, you’ll definitely want to be looking up at the right time on Friday!

From their announcement:

AIR FORCE SALUTES: Col. Robert V. Lankford, 62nd Operations Group (OG) commander,  and Lt. Col. Judd Baker, 62nd OG deputy commander, invites all of you to watch two #McChordField C-17 Globemaster III’s conducting an #AirForceSalutes flyover at 30 health facilities and areas of interest in the Puget Sound region, beginning 12:30 p.m., May 8th! This is to say thank you to all of the American heroes at the forefront of the battle against COVID-19.

When will you be able to see and hear them overhead? Here is the schedule for the South Sound.

South Sound Flyover Times

Madigan Army Medical Center, JBLM 12:30PM

Providence St. Peter, Olympia 12:35 PM

Washington Capitol building, Olympia 12:35 PM

Capital Medical Center, Olympia 12:36 PM

St. Anthony, Gig Harbor 12:56PM

Valley Medical Center Renton 1:45 PM

MultiCare, Covington 1:55 PM

MutiCare, Auburn 1:57 PM

St. Francis Hospital Federal Way 1:58 PM

MultiCare Tacoma/Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital 2PM

Multicare Allenmore/Tacoma 2PM

Multicare Good Samaritan Puyallup 2PM

Washington State Soldiers Home, Orting 2:07 PM

Madigan Army Medical Center, JBLM 2:44 PM

If you are looking for times for Seattle or elsewhere, you can head here.

And there’s a contest! 

Again, from their Fb:

AIR FORCE SALUTES FLYOVER PHOTO CONTEST: We are excited to receive such a huge support from the community about our upcoming #AirForceSalutes flyover honoring American heroes on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic, Friday, May 8.

Capture your best photo of the C-17’s flying over your Puget Sound region location and submit it through our page’s private messenger for a chance to win the C-17 Demo Team’s patch and a signed photograph!

And a big thank you from team SFM to all our healthcare workers!

Tracks and Tennis Courts to Open at Puyallup School District Schools and Sparks Stadium

May 6, 2020 by Maegen Blue

If you want to use the track or a tennis court at a Puyallup School District school, here is some good news.

Grass and turf fields, tracks, and tennis courts will open beginning May 7th from 8am-8pm daily. Sparks Stadium will be open 7am-3pm Monday-Friday.

Note that elementary equipment, including playgrounds, remains closed, and you are asked to practice social distancing and recreate in groups no larger than 5. So, no organizing a kickball game, but do feel free to play tennis with your kids or walk the track!

This information is from the district’s Fb post. You can see it here.

 

Puyallup Farmer’s Market Trial Opening

May 5, 2020 by Maegen Blue

Wondering about the Puyallup Farmer’s Market?

Going to the Farmer’s Market in Puyallup is one of our favorite spring and summer traditions, so I’m excited to hear that there will be a trial opening of the market, although it will be at a very different location with very different rules and procedures, and so far, for one day only, though I’m sure they’re hoping for more!

I think this is a great way to support local farmers and growers even though it will feel very different than the market we’re used to.

Do be sure to read all the info, which comes straight from the market fb announcement. 

Straight from that post:

BIG NEWS! Please read the entirety of this post.

New Location

This Saturday, May 9th, there will be a trial market. In accordance with local regulations and health codes, the market will be allowing no more than 60 vendors to come and sell essential produce and food. On May 9th from 9am to 2pm, the new adjusted market will be at the South Hill Mall (in the Southwest parking lot by the former Sears location).

One Day Only So Far

So far, the market has only been given permission to host ONE event. Stay tuned for more announcements. 

Keep it Safe

 The most important aspect of this market is the safety and health of all involved. All of us at the market are asking you wonderful people to come and shop but keep social distancing and community health as a priority on Saturday.

Customers will be asked to limit their time at the market. We cannot have large crowds at this market so please come in, do your shopping, and allow others to come after. It is our intention to keep you updated on our social media channels throughout the run of the day so that you can see the best times to arrive. You will want to come and shop as individuals and not as families. We will have new safety measures in place and strict social distancing tools to ensure everyone’s health and safety. We really want to be able to continue our market through the year so we need your help in adhering to these new regulations.

Also please be sure to wear a mask or something that covers your nose and mouth when you attend the market. We truly appreciate your help and support.

Note from SFM: As always, I remind you that I am not in charge of openings or closings. I thank you for using the links provided to confirm details. You will definitely want to be following the Puyallup Farmer’s Market on Fb or their other channels to keep informed.

PS The Puyallup Farmer’s Market also has an online presence you can shop! 

Pierce County Parks With Open Trails

May 4, 2020 by Maegen Blue

Most Pierce County area trails including trails in and near Tacoma, are open. While most Pierce County area parks are closed, you can go to the TRAILS for solo recreation such as walking. Note that playgrounds, bathrooms, and other amenities remain closed. Parking is also still closed at many places but not all.

I have provided links to official sites so you can confirm details before you head out. This information was current as of 5/4, but things do change. You are asked to use social distancing at any trail you access. 

If you have strong feelings about what should be open or closed please contact your elected officials. I am absolutely not in charge of any of that. For information on Washington State’s phased reopening you can see the official state site here. Thanks. 

Pierce County/Tacoma and Nearby

Pierce County Parks

Note that this refers to parks operated by Pierce County Parks, but that doesn’t mean every park in the county, as some are operated by the other municipalities on this list. I know that’s a bit confusing.

Pierce County Parks Department trails are open

From their site:

Pierce County will restore public use of parks with protocols and guidelines to keep the public safe. Park and trailhead parking lots will open May 5, while Chambers Creek Regional Park will open earlier – on May 1. Parks outdoor spaces will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Restrooms will remain closed at all parks and trailheads. Additional protocols have been created to promote respectful use including limiting travel, shortened stays, and social distancing measures. Recreation Centers, playgrounds, picnic shelters and fields at athletic complexes will remain closed.

These services align with Governor Jay Inslee’s announcement, authorizing increased access to public lands for outdoor recreational outings for families.

You are asked to limit travel, the length of your stay, and contact with others, and to observe protocols while on the trail. More on all of that here. 

Tacoma

Metro Parks Tacoma parks and trails are open. 

From their site:

Parks & trails remain open for walking, running, and enjoying nature but please remember that they are great places to be for solitary recreation, not group activities. If it’s crowded choose another trail, beach or go to a different park. Maintain a distance of 6′ from others. Note that parking, playgrounds, restrooms, and other amenities remain closed.

While the governor has reopened fishing and golfing, the Point Defiance Marina and the Meadow Park golf course remain closed while they prepare to reopen.

Puyallup

Trails are open within the following city parks:
Bradley Lake Park
Brown Property
Clarks Creek North
Clarks Creek South
Decoursey
Manorwood
Rainier Woods
Sam Peach
Van Lierop
Wildwood

Other trails open for use:
Riverwalk Trail
Puyallup Loop Trail

All other amenities including parking and restrooms are closed. Practice social distancing and responsible recreation. More on that here. 

Lakewood

Lakewood parks and trails have reopened on a limited basis.

Parks within the city of Lakewood will reopen to the public Tuesday, April 21 on a limited basis.

Park trails and open space areas in all of Lakewood’s 14 parks, as well as the dog park at Fort Steilacoom Park, will now be open from 7 a.m. to sunset.

Restrooms, playgrounds, picnic shelters, sport courts, sport fields and skate parks will remain closed. Group gatherings are not allowed.

Parking lots at Harry Todd Park, American Lake Park, Wards Lake Park and Springbrook Park will also remain closed to vehicles, however walk in access is allowed.

The front gate and parking lots at Fort Steilacoom Park will be open to allow cars to park in an effort to limit the impact on the surrounding neighborhoods. Please be aware of social distancing when parking in these areas.

The American Lake boat launch will open each day. Daily launch fees apply or you can use your annual pass, however, please note, no annual passes will be sold until further notice. (View the state Department of Fish and Wildlife website for most up to date information on regulations around fishing in light of the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order.)

If you choose to visit a city park, please adhere to the following health guidance tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More on that here. 

Fife

Fife trails are open

In keeping with current health recommendations, keep plenty of distance between yourself and others walking along the trails. To keep our kids safe and to prevent the potential for spreading the COVID-19 virus, all playground equipment, basketball courts, bathrooms, picnic tables/shelters and the skate park currently are closed, which is why we are recommending you explore our trails instead.

Here is a pdf of the trail system

Gig Harbor

Updates are here

Specifics from their site:

While trails remain open to the public, PenMet Parks is expanding its list of facility closures as part of the community effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

  • Effective immediately, beach access areas, playgrounds, sport courts, and picnic areas are closed to the public.
  • The following parks have been closed: Narrows Park, Sunrise Beach, Tacoma DeMolay Sandspit (Bella Bella Beach), Rosedale Park and Courts, Hale Pass Park and Fox Island Fishing Pier.
  • The trails at Sehmel Homestead Park remain open, including access to the upper parking lot. Please respect our neighbors by using the main entrance of the park.
  • The Cushman Trail remains open.
  • Dog Parks will remain open.
  • Park restrooms are also closed at this time, we remind you to “Go before you go”.
  • PenMet Parks will continue to monitor park usage and activity at all locations to ensure visitors are practicing safe social distancing.

Park trails remain open at Sehmel Homestead Park, McCormick Forrest Park, Rotary Tails and Harbor Family Park for visitors to walk, cycle and enjoy nature.

Key Peninsula 

Mad props to Key Pen for this super handy chart showing what’s open at their parks.

Sumner

Parks are closed but the Sumner Link Trail remains open

What else? While you are still encouraged to stay close to home, Sumner and Bonney Lake area friends may want to access one of Auburn’s trails. They also have parking open.

Bonney Lake

Trails and open space with the exception of the trail at Victor falls are open. More information on that as well as fishing updates:

The Allan Yorke Park beach area including the swim area and volleyball court along with the city’s playground equipment, sports courts, skate park, and restrooms remain closed until further notice. Park open space and trails (except for the trail at Victor Falls Park) remain open; however, all users should continue to adhere to social distancing guidelines. More here

Governor Inslee announced that state lands, fishing and hunting will begin reopening on May 5, 2020. Here is a link to information from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife: https://medium.com/@wdfw/frequently-asked-questions-reopening-state-lands-fishing-and-hunting-967a6726fe26.

Although fishing will be open on Lake Tapps, the Allan Yorke Park boat launch is anticipated to reopen on May 23. The most recent update from Cascade Water Alliance states that Lake Tapps is expected to reach recreational levels the week of May 11. Additionally, Pierce County is estimating the opening of the new boat launch at North Lake Tapps Park on May 23.

State Parks

Washington State Parks are also reopening for local, day use on May 5th.

I am updating my list for South King County now.

As ever, I remind you that I’ve provided links so you can confirm all details before you head out. Policies and openings/closures have been changing fast. Thanks for doing that!

List of Washington State Parks Opening for Day Use May 5th

May 3, 2020 by Maegen Blue

As you may have heard, the Governor has reopened some Washington State Parks for day use beginning May 5th. If you’re wondering which state parks are now open, I have the list below. I found it really hard to find the on the state website, so I hope this helps.

Note that these parks are only open for day use at this point-not camping, and yes, you will need a Discover WA Pass.

You should know that one of our area’s most popular state parks, Dash Point State Park, will have reduced parking in an effort to minimize crowd size. If that one is your destination, I would encourage you to have a back up plan. Restrooms may also be closed, so keep that in mind. You are also asked to go to destinations close to your home with only your family members, and to use a mask or bandana to cover your mouth.  More on that and other guidelines for responsible park use is here.

PARKS REOPENING FOR DAY USE  MAY 5-Read on for the list

Alta Lake
Battle Ground Lake
Bay View
Belfair
Birch Bay
Blake Island
Blind Island
Bridgeport
Bridle Trails
Brooks Memorial
Cama Beach
Camano Island
Centennial Trail
Clark Island
Columbia Plateau Trail
Conconully
Curlew Lake
Cutts Island
Dash Point (reduced capacity)
Deception Pass
Doe Island
Dosewallips
Eagle Island
Federation Forest
Fields Spring
Flaming Geyser
Fort Casey
Fort Ebey
Fort Flagler
Fort Townsend
Fort Worden
Ginkgo Petrified Forest
Goldendale Observatory
Hope Island – Mason
Hope Island – Skagit
Ike Kinswa
Illahee
Jackson House
James Island

Jarrell Cove
Joemma Beach
Jones Island
Joseph Whidbey
Kanaskat-Palmer
Kinney Point
Kitsap Memorial
Kopachuck
Lake Chelan
Lake Easton
Lake Sammamish (reduced capacity)
Lake Sylvia
Lake Wenatchee
Larrabee
Lewis & Clark
Lewis & Clark Trail
Lime Kiln Point
Lincoln Rock
Lyons Ferry
Manchester
Matia Island
McMicken Island
Millersylvania
Moran
Mount Pilchuck
Mount Spokane
Mystery Bay
Nine Mile Recreation Area
Nolte
Obstruction Pass
Olallie
Olmstead Place
Palouse Falls
Palouse to Cascades
Paradise Point
Patos Island
Peace Arch
Pearrygin Lake
Penrose Point

Peshastin Pinnacles
Posey Island
Potholes
Potlatch
Rainbow Falls
Rasar
Reed Island
Riverside
Rockport
Sacajawea
Saddlebag Island
Saint Edward (reduced capacity)
Saltwater
Scenic Beach
Schafer
Seaquest
Sequim Bay
Shine Tidelands
Skagit Island
South Whidbey
Spencer Spit
Squak Mountain
Squilchuck
Steamboat Rock
Steptoe Battlefield
Steptoe Butte
Stuart Island
Sucia Island
Sun Lakes-Dry Falls
Tolmie
Triton Cove
Turn Island
Twanoh
Twenty-Five Mile Creek
Wanapum Recreation Area
Wenatchee Confluence
Willapa Hills Trail
Yakima Sportsman

PARKS REMAINING CLOSED

Anderson Lake
Beacon Rock
Bogachiel
Bottle Beach
Cape Disappointment
Camp Wooten
Cedar Falls Trailhead (on Palouse to Cascades Trail)
Columbia Hills (limited fishing access)
Crawford State Park and Gardner Caves
Daroga
Doug’s Beach
Fisk
Fort Columbia
Fort Simcoe
Grayland Beach
Griffiths-Priday
Klickitat Trail
Kukutali Preserve
Leadbetter Point
Loomis Lake
Ocean City
Pacific Beach
Pacific Pines
Pleasant Harbor
Maryhill (watercraft launch will open)
Spring Creek Hatchery
Twin Harbors
Westport Light
Wallace Falls

 

 

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