CHENEY — With Gov. Inslee relaxing some restrictions on outdoor activities, people are free to visit many local, state and national parks and recreational areas. One new restriction that is in place is that people recreate close to home.
This means people are encouraged to not driver further than necessary to engage in their preferred activity. For hikers and wildlife enthusiasts, Turnbull Wildlife Refuge Area’s auto path and hiking trails are open to the public. In fact, area manager Alice Hanley says they never closed.
“The office and all the restrooms are closed until further notice though,” Hanley said.
The area is also under modified hours. The gate is open to allow cars and hikers in from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Normally, there is a $3 fee per car to enter during the warmer months. However, there is currently a sign near the front gate that says no fees are required “at this time.”
Most parks controlled by the state opened on May 5, when Inslee’s order to relax outdoor construction took effect. Areas controlled by the federal government, however, have varied in their response. While some places like Turnbull never closed, others, like Lake Roosevelt, followed Inslee’s guidelines and reopened on May 5.
City parks have differed even further.
Locally, Medical Lake Trail, accessible at Medical Lake Waterfront Park, is also open for people wanting to get some exercise near the water.
Jeremy Burnham can be reached at [email protected].
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