A swimmer jumps off the dock into Lake Meridian on Monday, July 13. STEVE HUNTER, Kent Reporter

A swimmer jumps off the dock into Lake Meridian on Monday, July 13. STEVE HUNTER, Kent Reporter

Summer fun at Lake Meridian in Kent | Photos

Swimming, boating, fishing, water skiing as people social distance

People took advantage of the warm summer weather Monday at Lake Meridian Park in Kent by swimming, fishing, boating, water skiing, paddleboarding or simply sunbathing. And most were social distancing.

The temperature hit the mid 70s on Monday and should stay in the 70s and low 80s all week, according to the National Weather Service.

The city of Kent took away lifeguards this summer at the Lake Meridian beach because of budget cutbacks due to COVID-19. But that didn’t stop people from diving off the dock and swimming in the marked-off area.

Others spent the afternoon fishing from the dock hoping to catch bass, trout or one of the other species in the lake. By mid-afternoon on Monday, people were lining up for a place to park their vehicles until other drivers left. The park is at 14800 SE 272nd St.

Parents also brought their children to the popular playground, that includes a merry-go-round known as The Apollo, built by Canadian-based Dynamo Industries. It features steel-reinforced soft nylon ropes that provide plenty of places for children to hang onto as it spins.

Only a few people wore face coverings in the outdoor setting, but most people were social distancing at 6 feet apart. The shelter at the park remains closed with King County in Phase 2, which limits group gatherings. Restrooms and the boat launch are open.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

A boy jumps off the dock Monday at Lake Meridian. STEVE HUNTER, Kent Reporter

A boy jumps off the dock Monday at Lake Meridian. STEVE HUNTER, Kent Reporter

A water skier glides through Lake Meridian on Monday. STEVE HUNTER, Kent Reporter

A water skier glides through Lake Meridian on Monday. STEVE HUNTER, Kent Reporter

Time for some fishing on Monday at Lake Meridian. STEVE HUNTER, Kent Reporter

Time for some fishing on Monday at Lake Meridian. STEVE HUNTER, Kent Reporter

A man takes a boat for a spin on Monday at Lake Meridian. STEVE HUNTER, Kent Reporter

A man takes a boat for a spin on Monday at Lake Meridian. STEVE HUNTER, Kent Reporter

More in Life

t
Residents celebrate annual Kent Winterfest with parade, tree lighting | Photos

Musical entertainment, food trucks, local crafts also featured

t
Get a photo with Santa at Kent Station shopping center

Online bookings available with the North Pole visitor

A picture of Thanksgiving packages in 2022, carrying the Thanksgiving meal and additional decorations. (Photo courtesy of Ginger Seybold)
Nonprofit spreads health, well-being and connection across King County

Full Life Care gathers community groups and volunteers to provide Thanksgiving meals to isolated seniors and caregivers.

t
Kent’s Allegro academy to present sensory-friendly holiday showcase

‘Radio City Disaster’ set for Dec. 16 at Auburn Performing Arts Center

Jakob Two Trees in Issaquah (Photo by Cameron Sires/ Sound Publishing)
Trolls from Denmark make their mark across Puget Sound

Coastal Salish tribes also embrace the project.

t
Christian group MercyMe to perform April 4 in Kent at ShoWare Center

‘Always Only Jesus Tour’ also will features Newsboys and David Leonard

T
Kent’s ShoWare Center financial losses lower than projected

Operating deficit remains high through third quarter of 2023

COURTESY PHOTO, Kent-Meridian Drama
Ayden Bryant as Joe Pendleton in the Kent-Meridian High School Drama presentation of “Heaven Can Wait” at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 17-18 in the Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center.
Kent-Meridian High Drama club presents ‘Heaven Can Wait’

Catch the show at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17 or Saturday, Nov. 18

t
Kent Winterfest, tree lighting set for Saturday, Dec. 2

Annual event features music, crafts, vendors, food trucks at Town Square Plaza

t
Kent City Hall Halloween! | Photos

Check out several photos from city employee contest

t
Still time for pumpkin picking at Kent’s Carpinito Brothers

Location also features two corn mazes and Farm Fun Yard