Several parks, trails and recreational facilities across Kent remained closed Wednesday due to flooding and recent wind impacts, according to the City of Kent.
City officials urged residents to stay off levees and avoid flooded areas, warning that doing so helps protect both the public and first responders. People were also asked to obey all closure signage and avoid driving, walking or biking around barricades.
Kent Parks crews inspected city parks Wednesday morning following overnight wind conditions. Initial assessments found no major tree damage, though officials cautioned that high winds can cause limbs to fall, particularly in forested areas. Residents were encouraged to report downed branches or park related issues through KentWorks, the city’s resident reporting portal app (download Apple version here, Google one here).
Closed Parks
As of Wednesday, Dec. 17, several parks were closed, including:
- Riverbend Golf Complex
- Van Doren’s Landing Park
- Riverview Park
- Old Fishing Hole and Briscoe Park.
- Lake Meridian Park’s boat launch and parking lot were also closed, along with the lower boardwalk on the Lake Fenwick Trail.
- Additional impacts were reported at Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park, where pond levels were high and could overflow. City officials said the park’s landform design is intended to capture overflow water if levels rise further.
- Trail closures remained in effect throughout the city, including the Green River Trail, which was closed in its entirety within Kent.
- Portions of the Puget Sound Energy Trail were also closed due to standing water, with barricades placed where the trail is not passable.
Officials said conditions could change or worsen and advised residents to monitor city updates for road closures and emergency information.
Flood related resources and updates are available at KentWA.gov/emergency.
“Please continue to stay tuned for updates, and stay safe when traveling!”
