Kent to close Lake Meridian boat launch because of high water

Published 5:42 pm Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Kent city officials will temporarily close the boat launch at Lake Meridian June 9 because unusually high rainfall has resulted in a significant rise in the lake’s water level and poses a risk to the shoreline.

“Boating activity and the wakes they create could potentially cause erosion of the shoreline,” said Jeff Watling, city Parks and Recreation director, in a June 8 city media release. “The amount of rainfall we’ve seen this June is unprecedented. Closures of the boat launch typically occur only during winter months.”

City officials will evaluate water levels daily and the boat launch will re-open as soon as conditions permit.

Lake Meridian Park, 14800 S.E. 272nd St., remains open for recreational use, with the lake still available for swimming. The parking lots are open as usual.

For more information, call the parks department at 253-856-5100.