COVID-19: City of Camas to Reopen Parks Facilities in Phases

CAMAS, WA – In accordance with Governor Jay Inslee’s easing of outdoor recreation restrictions announced April 27, the City of Camas will begin a phased approach to reopening its park system.

Beginning May 5, the first phase will open the parking lots at all City-run parks and trailheads, which were closed on March 31. Additionally, the bathroom facilities at Heritage Park, located at Lacamas Lake on Northwest Lake Road with access to Heritage Trail, will reopen. The restrooms will be cleaned and sanitized daily; however, to minimize contact with high-touch surfaces, patrons should use restrooms sparingly and with COVID-19 safety precautions in mind.

All other City-run restrooms and parks facilities, including play structures, sports fields, sports courts and picnic shelters will remain closed at this time to reduce crowds, limit group interaction and encourage social distancing during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. Future openings will be enacted based on guidance from local and state health officials.

“Enjoy the open areas and trails while staying close to home to exercise, get fresh air and recreate with family members,” urged Parks and Recreation Manager Jerry Acheson. “Please practice appropriate physical distancing or wear a face covering when participating in outdoor activities. Together, we can keep our community healthy and safe.”

Individuals should not call 911 to report others in noncompliance and should avoid confrontations over enforcement. Instead, individuals are asked to adhere to the following guidelines for responsible outdoor recreation.

Before you go:

• Recreate with immediate household members only. Recreating with those outside of your household creates new avenues for virus transmission.
• Come prepared. Visitors may find reduced or limited or no restroom services. You are advised to bring your own soap, water, and hand sanitizer, as well as a mask or bandana to cover your nose and mouth.
• Enjoy the outdoors when healthy. If you have symptoms including fever, cough or shortness of breath, stay home and save your outdoor adventure for another day.

When you get there:

• Avoid crowds. Be prepared to go somewhere else or come back another time if your destination looks crowded.
• Practice physical distancing. Keep 6 feet between you and those outside your immediate household. If possible, leave at least one parking space between your vehicle and the vehicle next to you.
• Wash your hands often.
• Pack out what you pack in. Take any garbage with you, including disposable gloves and masks.

Unrelated to the order, Clark County Public Health closed Lacamas Lake and Round Lake on April 24 due to elevated toxin levels and is advising against all lake use, including swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing and water skiing. For details and updates, the public is encouraged to visit www.clark.wa.gov/public-health/public-beaches

The City will continue to monitor newly released information to determine additional modifications.

• To see up-to-date programming and operations changes, the public is encouraged to visit www.cityofcamas.us/ourcommunity/covid-19
• For access to City services, patrons can visit www.cityofcamas.us, call 360-834-6864 or use the CamasConnect app.
• For support or someone to talk to, call the Camas Resource Helpline at 360-382-1300, Monday – Friday, 9 am – 6 pm.