Sandy Swimming Hole Park reopened

Park users are expected to follow physical-distancing and safety protocols

The city of Washougal announced Friday that the Sandy Swimming Hole Park has been reopened, effective immediately. The park had been closed since April 16.

Washougal’s Public Works Department is responding to the COVID-19 public health emergency and related federal, state and county directives and guidelines in order to ensure the health, safety and well-being of the community and our staff. 

Sandy Swimming Hole Park has been closed since April 16. The city of Washougal announced Friday that it has reopened the park to the public. Photo courtesy of city of Washougal
Sandy Swimming Hole Park has been closed since April 16. The city of Washougal announced Friday that it has reopened the park to the public. Photo courtesy of city of Washougal

“We are all excited for the great summer weather and look forward to safely enjoying our beautiful park amenities,’’ read a news release from the city Friday (May 29). “It is critical to continue to comply with physical distancing protocols during the upcoming warm weather forecast and to be respectful of our neighbors. Please do not park vehicles in the surrounding neighborhoods to access this park.”

Parking is prohibited on Shephard Road and citations will be issued for noncompliance. Parking is available in the off-street parking lot.

Park users are expected to follow physical-distancing and safety protocols including:

  • Do not use parks or trails if you are exhibiting symptoms.
  • Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to visiting parks or trails.
  • Share the trail and warn other trail users of your presence and as you pass.
  • Observe CDC’s minimum recommended physical distancing of six-feet from other persons not from your household at all times.
  • If you are not able to maintain physical-distancing guidelines while visiting a park, please go home and try to come again at another time.

As a reminder:

  • All city of Washougal parks, trails and open areas remain open.
  • All city of Washougal park restrooms will remain closed until further notice. The city is working on enhanced sanitation protocols to allow restrooms to re-open.
  • All play structures remain closed until further notice.
  • Steamboat Landing Dock remains closed until further notice.

For the latest updates on the city of Washougal’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit cityofwashougal.us/COVID19.

“We are grateful to the Washougal community for rising to the occasion during this pandemic and for demonstrating care for the health and safety of the community and our staff as we enjoy our great parks,’’ the city’s news release stated.

For questions, please contact Michelle Wright, Interim Assistant Public Works Director at michelle.wright@cityofwashougal.us.