Mercer Island Closes Groveland Beach Indefinitely, Due To Crowds

MERCER ISLAND, WA — Mercer Island city officials closed Groveland Beach Park indefinitely on Thursday, citing weeks of large gatherings in violation of physical distancing requirements, limits on group sizes and the statewide mask mandate.

Thursday morning, city staff blocked off the parking lot and installed fencing around the entrance to the park. According to a news release, electronic signs placed on the street leading to the beach now informs visitors of the closure.

"We know how much people enjoy getting outdoors in the hot weather and need opportunities to safely recreate," said Jessi Bon, the city manager. "But after weeks of education, mask distribution, signage, and warnings about crowding at Groveland Beach Park, this was our only option remaining to protect public safety. The pandemic is still very much underway."

The city said irresponsible park use also led to vehicles clogging adjacent neighborhoods, creating dangerous situations for cyclists and pedestrians. Limited staff levels among park staff also made it difficult to keep up with "significant amounts of trash."

Other parks in the city remain open, and visitors are asked to follow both posted rules and public health guidance related to COVID-19.

Learn more about COVID-19's impact on recreation via the Mercer Island website.