The city of Redmond has outlined a plan to reopen park amenities, facilities and some activities in accordance with Washington’s Safe Start phased approach.

The Parks and Recreation “Play Safe, Stay Safe” reopening plan is based on the Governor’s four-phase approach. As King County meets the requirements to move into each phase, Redmond Parks and Recreation will reopen park amenities, facilities and services in alignment with requirements for each phase and in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and King County Public Health.

City of Redmond parks and trails have remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic. All facilities and active recreation areas where physical distancing is difficult to maintain were closed, however. These areas include playgrounds, sports courts, sports fields, picnic shelters, splash pads and most public restrooms.

The city also canceled all summer events through Aug. 31, and all recreation services, rentals and activities were canceled through July 5.

The city has started to reopen some park amenities, including restrooms at Idylwood Park, with more to follow soon. When King County received approval to move into a modified Phase 1 on June 5, the Parks Department reopened pickleball and tennis courts.

Additional parks amenities will continue to be reopened as the county progresses through each phase. Limited summer camps, activities and rentals will resume in Phase 3.

To ensure the safety of the community and staff, new safety guidelines and restrictions will be in place.

Registration is currently closed and will reopen on June 15.

“Parks and Recreation services and amenities contribute to the physical, social and emotional health of our community,” said Mayor Birney in a press release from the city. “Balancing community and employee safety is at the forefront of our decisions to reopen these spaces.”

As areas start to reopen, the city is encouraging residents to practice physical distancing, avoid group gatherings, keep moving to prevent crowding, stay home when sick and follow the most current CDC guidelines.

The full reopening plan with information on the status of amenities, facilities and services is available at redmond.gov/PlaySafe.