Mayor Wheeler Expands Parks Activities Under Phase 1 of State’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan

Bremerton Sports Fields, Shelters, Playgrounds Open Under New Safety Guidelines for Users

New safety guidelines for users in Bremerton parks go into effect today under Phase 1 of the state’s new “Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery” plan: http://bit.ly/39qWad5. Phase 1 expands participation in outdoor recreation to 10 or fewer people outside a household, with a limit of 2 households.

In Bremerton parks, the new user guidelines for up to 10 people apply to sports fields (ballfields and soccer fields); basketball, tennis, and sport courts; shelters; playgrounds, among other activities. Please see the complete list of what’s opened and closed in Bremerton parks for requirements and details: https://bit.ly/3nEwa2S. 

In accordance with state health directions, face coverings must be worn in outdoor locations whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained from those who do not live in the same household.

“Getting outside is important for physical and mental health and the state’s new recovery plan helps residents enjoy the outdoors while maintaining health and safety practices. When using parks, please remember to adhere to state health practices and take personal responsibility for you, your loved ones and the health of others,” said Mayor Wheeler. 

Large gatherings and unsanctioned events violate the public health directives of the City of Bremerton, Kitsap Public Health District and State of Washington. To keep parks staff and the community safe and healthy, the City is not accepting reservations for shelters or field use, issuing permits or authorizing any public events in parks at this time. Please see below for tips and planning for visiting Bremerton parks.

“Under the current status, parks are great places for solitary recreation and not group activities. If a location is crowded, please choose another trail, path, court or park to visit as an alternative to protect yourself and other visitors,” said Mayor Wheeler. 

For park questions, please visit http://bit.ly/38Ai0LP or contact Bremerton parks and recreation staff at 360-473-5305 or parks@ci.bremerton.wa.us. For other inquiries, please contact Mayor Greg Wheeler at 360-473-5266 or greg.wheeler@ci.bremerton.wa.us. 

MORE INFORMATION 
Remember these tips before you visit Bremerton parks: 

• Think First: Stay home if you feel sick or have symptoms.
• Avoid Gatherings and Crowds: Gatherings are limited to no more than 10 people from outside your household, limit 2 households.
• Wear a Face Covering: Use of a face covering is required (ages 5+) in outdoor locations whenever 6-foot distance cannot be maintained from those outside a household.
• Keep Your Distance: Maintain 6 feet between yourself and others and give warning before passing on walking paths or trails. Please bypass busy areas for quieter ones.
• Wash Your Hands, Bring Hand Sanitizer: Wash your hands before coming to the park, carry hand sanitizer and use it before and after touching picnic tables, railings, benches, door handles, play areas etc.
• Come Prepared: Bring your own drinking water and be prepared for restroom closures.

RESOURCES:
”Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery” COVID-19 phased recovery plan: https://bit.ly/3nCgehs
What’s Open and Closed in Bremerton Parks: https://bit.ly/3bqZyY1