New rules have been put in place at Lake Chelan and Lake Wenatchee state parks to prevent overcrowding amid social distancing mandates. | Morguefile
New rules have been put in place at Lake Chelan and Lake Wenatchee state parks to prevent overcrowding amid social distancing mandates. | Morguefile
Lake Chelan and Lake Wenatchee state parks have proven to be too popular for social distancing mandates.
In an effort to prevent overcrowding, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission has released new rules to lower crowd volume at the parks, which reopened in early May, the department reported in a press release. Under new rules, the day-use areas will be closed once parking lots are full. Signs will be posted at the parks and staff will also be available to maintain crowd size in case of visitors attempting to enter the parks on foot. Visitors are also discouraged from parking on county roads with the purpose of trying to visit overcrowded parks.
It's hoped the new measures will relieve overcrowding which has become a regular occurrence, particularly in the swimming areas. Those planning on visiting the park can visit online to find out current capacity.
“We want to provide the public with enjoyable outdoor recreation opportunities this summer,” region manager Ryan Layton said in the press release. “But we need to do it safely by following state public health guidelines.”
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