Trevor Ng
Golf courses in Washington State were closed in March 2020 following Gov. Jay Inslee's stay-at-home order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This included the closure of all city and county golf courses in Spokane. However, by December 2020, municipal golf courses had begun operating again as part of the first phase of Gov. Inslee's plan to reopen Washington's economy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Golf courses in Washington State | Allowed to remain open |
| Closure of golf courses in Washington State | Due to Gov. Jay Inslee's 'stay-at-home' order in March 2020 |
| Reopening of golf courses in Washington State | In December 2020, as part of the first phase of Gov. Jay Inslee's plan to reopen the state's economy |
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What You'll Learn
Spokane County golf courses closed in 2020
On March 17, 2020, the City of Spokane, Washington, released a COVID-19 Coronavirus update, announcing the postponement or cancellation of all City of Spokane Parks and Recreation events with an anticipated attendance of 10 or more people scheduled between the time of the announcement and April 24. The update also mentioned that the Gaiser Conservatory at Manito Park would be closed, and that enhanced hygiene reminders were posted at their facilities and online. The city also mentioned that they would be preparing contingency plans to ensure the right resources were in place to respond as the situation changed.
On March 18, 2020, the City of Spokane released another update, stating that their golf courses had been closed due to weather, and that they would be extending this closure to implement social distancing and sanitation measures as required by Governor Inslee's proclamation. They also mentioned that they would be working with Spokane County on consistent plans, which would include increased cleaning, social distancing protocols, and arranging payments via phone.
Spokane County golf courses reopened on May 5, 2020, after a six-week shutdown due to the coronavirus outbreak. Social distancing rules and cleaning protocols remained in place, and carts were limited to a single rider under most circumstances. Pros and assistant pros were allowed to give lessons to individuals or groups, provided safety precautions were followed.
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Washington golf courses closed due to COVID-19
Washington state golf courses were closed in March 2020 due to COVID-19. Governor Jay Inslee issued a "stay-at-home" order that shut down all golf courses in the state. This included city and county golf courses in Spokane, which were closed until further notice. The closure of golf courses was part of Washington state's efforts to control the spread of COVID-19, which also included the closure of state parks, wildlife areas, water access areas, and DNR-managed lands.
During the closure, only essential businesses were allowed to remain open, which included grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, and restaurants offering takeout. While golf courses were closed, city and county parks in Spokane remained open, but this was subject to change. The closure of golf courses in Washington state lasted for several months, and they were eventually reopened in December 2020 as part of the first phase of Governor Inslee's plan to reopen the state's economy.
The reopening of golf courses was welcomed by golfers in the state, who had been waiting for months to return to the links. The Jefferson Park Golf Course, for example, opened its gates at 5:30 am to eager golfers Marsha Nakatani and MJ Mitoma. The reopening of golf courses was accompanied by social distancing measures and other changes, such as the closure of park restrooms and gathering areas. Anna Gill, communications director for the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, noted that visitors to the parks were following social distancing guidelines and that the parks were "busy but it's not unmanageable".
The closure of Washington state golf courses due to COVID-19 lasted for a significant period, and the reopening was carefully managed to ensure the safety of golfers and staff. While golfers were excited to return to the game they loved, it was important to balance this with the need to control the spread of the virus and keep people safe. This involved a combination of closures, social distancing, and other safety measures implemented by state and local authorities.
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Golf courses reopened in Washington in 2020
Golf courses in Washington State began reopening in May 2020, after being closed for over a month due to the coronavirus outbreak. The reopening was part of the first phase of Governor Jay Inslee's four-stage plan to ease restrictions.
On May 5, 2020, more than 100 state parks, trails, and boating sites across Washington State reopened, along with some golf courses. Golf courses that reopened on that day included Blue Boy, Kenwanda, Cedarcrest, and the Everett Golf & Country Club. Walter E. Hall and Legion Memorial golf courses also reopened for limited use.
It is important to note that golf courses implemented social distancing requirements and other safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. For example, golf games were limited to no more than two players from separate households per tee time, and foursomes were allowed only for people from the same household.
The reopening of parks and golf courses was a significant step in Washington State's effort to balance public health and safety with the resumption of recreational activities. However, it is crucial to monitor infection rates and adhere to the guidelines provided by local and state authorities.
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Seattle Parks and Recreation boat launches closed
As of May 2020, Seattle Parks and Recreation had opened several boat launches with strict guidelines in place. The Atlantic City Boat Launch was closed to accommodate the City's COVID-19 testing site, with boaters directed to use the Stan Sayres launch, 4 miles north, as an alternative. The Stan Sayres Boat Ramp on Lake Washington Boulevard was mostly closed while awaiting federal permits to begin repair work. However, limited launching was allowed for boats and vehicles that could fit between the block barriers and use the central portion of the ramp.
Four of the five motorized boat launches that required permits were fully open: Magnuson Park, Eddie Vine, Don Armeni, and the Atlantic City Boat Ramp. The Greenlake Boathouse, an independent company on the northeast side of Green Lake, offered hourly boat rentals to the general public. Seattle Parks and Recreation managed seven motorized boat launches on Puget Sound, Lake Washington, and the Ship Canal. A permit was required for anyone using a ramp lane, regardless of where the vehicle and trailer were parked.
Andrews Bay Anchorage, located in Seward Park, was designated as a short-term anchorage on Lake Washington by the City of Seattle. A 72-hour maximum stay within any seven-day period was permitted. Tie-up was limited to 15 minutes unless otherwise noted, and at docks and other shoreline sites, tie-up was limited to 2 hours unless otherwise noted.
While there was no explicit mention of golf being closed in Washington State, multiple sources referenced golf courses being closed in March 2020 due to the coronavirus outbreak. However, one source indicated that golf courses were allowed to remain open, with social distancing requirements in place.
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Washington golf courses work to ensure social distancing
Golf courses in Washington State were closed in March 2020 following Gov. Jay Inslee's "stay-at-home" order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As part of the first phase of Gov. Inslee's plan to reopen Washington's economy, outdoor recreation returned in December 2020. Hunting, fishing, boating, and municipal golf courses were reintroduced, with day-use recreation only.
Washington's golf courses worked to ensure social distancing requirements were in place. Anna Gill, communications director for the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, said that visitors were "behaving well and following the rules."
While golf courses were reopened, all Seattle Parks and Recreation boat launches remained closed. City spokesman Jason Kelly stated that they were "working on how [they] can open up the boat launches in a way that provides staffing to support social-distancing guidelines."
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, all city and county golf courses in Spokane County, Washington State, were closed following Governor Jay Inslee's "stay-at-home" order in March 2020. However, they were reopened in December 2020.
Yes, as per the reports published in December 2020, some golf courses in Washington State were reopened as part of the first phase of Governor Jay Inslee's plan to reopen the state's economy.
Hunting, fishing, and boating were also reintroduced in Washington State, along with the reopening of golf courses.
Social distancing measures were implemented at the reopened golf courses in Washington State. Visitors were expected to follow these guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
