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Camas closes parking lots at city’s parks, trailheads

Effort is latest attempt to reduce crowds, slow spread of COVID-19

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(Kelly Moyer/Post-Record) Valerie McOmie (right) and Julian McOmie (left), of Camas, walk their dogs, Katie (with Julian) and Max (with Valerie), past a closed-off parking lot near Round Lake in Camas on Tuesday, March 31. The city of Camas on Tuesday closed parking lots at the city's parks and trailheads to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Days after closing playgrounds, sports fields, picnic shelters and parks facilities such as public restrooms, the city of Camas is going a step further to help reduce crowds and promote the type of physical distancing experts say is needed to slow the spread of COVID-19. 

As of today, all parking lots attached to Camas parks and trailheads are also closed to the public. 

The city’s trails, open green spaces and grass areas within the parks remain open, but are now only accessible by foot, bike or other means of transportation that do not require parking in city parking lots.  

“I appreciate the many benefits of being outside, enjoying our trails and green spaces,” Camas Mayor Barry McDonnell stated in a press release sent to media today. “But we must continue to social distance to slow the spread of the coronavirus.” 

Earlier this month, Camas Parks and Recreation canceled all programs, special events and facility rentals through April. City Hall, the Camas Public Library and all other municipal buildings are also closed to the public.  

“I know we will get through this,” McDonnell stated. “And if everyone does their part, we’ll get through it even faster.” 

Individuals should not call 911 to report others in noncompliance and should avoid confrontations over enforcement. 

The city’s parks maintenance crews will still mow the city’s park lawns and pick up park garbage, but other routine parks maintenance tasks are being deferred at this time. 

To find up-to-date programming and operations changes, visit cityofcamas.us/ourcommunity/covid-19. 

To access city services, visit cityofcamas.us, call 360-834-6864 or use the CamasConnect app.