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:

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.

 

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.

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

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!

 

 

Puyallup Parks and Trails have been closed due to Covid 19.

If you’ve been wondering when Puyallup trails will be open, or which trails in Puyallup are open, we have news.

Puyallup TRAILS are set to open Saturday, April 25th. Keep in mind that only the trails are open-amenities such as playgrounds and bathrooms and parking are closed. Please use trails in your neighborhoods and practice social distancing.

Edit to add: This information was announced by the City of Puyallup on their fb page and shared by the Puyallup Police Department. A screen shot is below and a link is here. Again, this refers to trails, not parks, and once again…..I. am. not. in. charge. Thanks! 

Some readers have also wondered about the Nathan Chapman Trail on South Hill and the Foothills Trail in the valley. Those are Pierce County Trails, and they have been, and are, open. Again, the trails only are open. You should not expect any other amenities, and you should go only to engage in solo recreation, like walking. This is a great time to discover the trails in your backyard!

PS This news is from the City of Puyallup. I am not responsible for their policies. While I understand you may have strong feelings about what should be open OR what should be closed, I appreciate you keeping in mind that I am just not the person to address those concerns with. Thanks!

Times When You Can Take Yard Waste to Pierce County Transfer Stations

Do you have more yard waste than usual? If you’re like a lot of my neighbors you’ve been spending more time in your yard at home, and now you’re wondering what to do with all your yard waste!

The news is that you can now take your yard waste to Pierce County transfer locations, but only on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. They will NOT accept garbage during these times. Note that you’re encouraged to visit the transfer station only if you really need to, so if you can do something else with your yard clippings, you’re encouraged to do so. Also note that they will not take cash.

I think you should also be prepared to expect a crowd. One poster I read said he was in line at 8AM and finally through by 11AM, so…..yikes. The photos I saw also showed a very significant line of cars.  That’s a lot of yard work!

From their site (note that this begins April 21st).

• Hidden Valley, 17925 Meridian E., Puyallup,
  Tue. and Wed. Yard waste only: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., Garbage only: 11 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
• Purdy, 14515 54th Ave. NW, Gig Harbor,
  Tue. and Wed. Yard waste only: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Garbage only: 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
• Prairie Ridge, 11710 Prairie Ridge Dr. E., Bonney Lake
  Tue. and Wed. Yard waste only: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Garbage only: 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

You can read more here.

Ten Cheap or Inexpensive Toys To Add Fun To Backyard Exploration

Are you looking for some cheap and easy ways to make exploring your backyard more fun? I’ve got just the things!

If you’re staying at home or doing a quarantine with the kids, you’re likely keeping your walks and exploration close to home. These simple toys will add a little fun to your day even if you don’t go further than the walk in front of your house, or your own yard!

I’ve included my Amazon affiliate link to each of these, but I also encourage you to explore local businesses offering curbside pick up like the Curious Bear. I’ve also include a no-spend or very low-spend option for each! Happy exploring!

A magnifying glass

Obviously, I like this one from Melissa and Doug because it has a snake handle. Need two? This set seems like a good deal. 

Budget option: You can probably find one at the dollar store if these are too pricey. Inexpensive ones may shatter, so do be attentive if you’re using one of those.

Seeing things up close is amazing for young children!

A nature guide

I love this one and right now it’s part of Amazon’s 3 for the price of 2 promotion!

Budget option: The Point Defiance Zoo has lots of free nature guides and resource online right now on their new Nature at Home page.

A flower pressing kit This one looks kid friendly.

Budget option: Use a heavy book.

PS I also love thissolar print paper. It would be great for some school-at-home science!

A hula hoop!

Got a hoop? Put it on the ground and challenge your child to examine every little thing inside it. You would be amazed at how much there is to explore inside a circle!

Budget option: Use a string or draw a circle with a stick. You may also find hoops at the dollar store or drug or grocery if you’re venturing out.

A Bug Container

Here’s a handy place for your kids’ new friends.

This BugView Quick-Release catcher and magnifier is another cool option.

Budget Option: Any container you’re willing to sacrifice as long as it’s got breathing holes and what not!

Water Magnifier

Make those puddles more fascinating! These are surprisingly cool and well worth the spend. This one looks like a boat! PS Think water specific magnifying glass if you’re wondering what these do.

Budget Option: Sara wrap on the end of a paper towel tube.

Explorer’s Kit

How cute is this??

Do you need this? No. But my children had a similar kit, and they got years of play value from it as they had real and imagined adventures all over our house and yard. One of mine was also heavily into Diego and his magic backpack.

Binoculars

These look cool

but there are lots of options, in all price ranges. Another idea is to get a durable pair for the whole family.

Budget option: Two paper towel tubes trimmed and tapped together.

A Hiking Guide

This is a complete tease, since we’re all staying at home right now, but why not do some summer (we hope!) dreaming? This guide is our absolute favorite, and there are plenty of hikes challenging enough for all ages. My family has been using this guide for years, and we haven’t worked our way through it yet.

If you’ve been having fun adventures close to home, I’d love to hear about them!