Seattle Parks Stay Open This Weekend; Some Farmers Markets Return

SEATTLE, WA — Seattle will keep its parks open this weekend, allow two farmers markets to return, and designate some roads for pedestrian and cyclist use, the mayor's office announced Friday.

Mayor Jenny Durkan ordered 15 parks and beaches closed last weekend, citing continued gatherings in violation of the governor's "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order.

The city said those visiting parks this weekend will need to "keep it moving" and avoid gathering for picnics, barbecues or sports. Jogging, walking, and biking is allowed, as long as proper social distancing measures are followed.

According to the mayor's office, the city will deploy 60 "social distancing ambassadors" to monitor usage and remind people to avoid gathering. If too many people are at a park, ambassadors will close the area.

Residents can report social distancing shortfalls to Seattle Parks and Recreation by calling 206-684-4075 or emailing pks_info@seattle.gov.

Additional rules will be in place at four major parks:

Green Lake: The loop trail will be open for pedestrians only and limited to one-way.
Seward Park: The loop trail will be open for pedestrians only.
Alki Beach: Fire pits and picnic shelters are closed, and beach activities are not permitted.
Golden Gardens: Fire pits are closed; no beach activities allowed.

Parking lots will remain closed at all major parks, along with basketball courts, tennis courts and athletic fields.

The mayor's office said hundreds of signs will be posted to remind visitors of social distancing practices and other expectations.

Stay Healthy Streets

Another change this weekend will be noticeable in West Seattle and the Central District, where 2.5 miles of neighborhood greenways will be closed to through traffic to allow for more people to safely get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors. City officials said the roads will remain accessible for residents and delivery vehicles.

According to the Seattle Department of Transportation, approximately 15 miles of city roadways will be converted for pedestrian and cyclist use in the coming weeks.

"To support safe social distancing while exercising or walking, rolling, biking to grocery stores [for] food pick-up, we'll look to convert additional miles of existing neighborhood greenways into Stay Healthy Streets over the next few weeks," said Sam Zimbabwe, the director of SDOT. "We hope the effort keeps people moving and enjoying the spring weather during this tough time."

The National Weather Service forecast for the weekend shows a slight chance of rain Saturday with afternoon highs in the low 60s. Sunday is forecast to be mostly sunny with a high of 65 degrees.

Farmers markets reopen with new safeguards

The city granted one-time permits for two of Seattle's most popular farmers markets to return this weekend, with guidance from public health officials.

On Saturday, the University District Farmers Market will open with up to 35 vendors and 15 staff. On Sunday, the Ballard Farmers Market will run with 28 vendors and 12 staff.

"In recent weeks we have worked with public health and the farmers markets to rethink our farmers markets to [include] drive-throughs, online ordering, and new social distancing guidance so that individuals can pick up healthy food safely," Mayor Jenny Durkan said. "Seattle can lead the way on ensuring safe and healthy operations in our new normal."

Several changes are in place to protect people from potential exposure, including limited entrances to control foot traffic, new layouts allowing for 10 feet between vendors and no food samples or cooking. Visitors are asked to designate one shopper per household, wear face coverings and consider pre-ordering or pre-paying.

Find a complete list of rules or sign the "Farmers Market Shopper Oath" here.

The mayor's office said the two farmers markets were chosen based on a demonstrated ability to ensure compliance among vendors and the community members. The city will monitor this weekend's markets to gauge whether they could potentially extend openings for more markets in the days and weeks ahead.