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
A cool time during sunny weather at Kent Cornucopia Days | Photos

52nd annual street festival draws thousands to downtown

t
52nd annual Kent Cornucopia Days set for downtown July 11-13

Street festival, 5K Fun Run, parade among featured events

t
Juneteenth Celebration in Kent set for Saturday, June 21

Free event will go from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Morrill Meadows Park

t
Class of 2025 high school graduates celebrate in Kent | Photos

Ceremonies held for four Kent School District high schools and two academies

t
Kent Elementary School’s new mural brings wildlife alive | Photos

60-foot long mural colorfully decorates wall behind school

t
Kent-Meridian High students share personal stories in new book

Immigrant and refugee students are featured in the book, ‘We Are America: Kent 2’

t
Tons of fun and costumes at annual downtown Kent Nerd Party | Photos

People showed up in plenty of colorful costumes

t
Kent’s Allegro Performing Arts Academy to present 30th showcase

Annual performance set for June 21-22 at Auburn Performing Arts Center

t
City of Kent completes major renovation of Springwood Park

$2.9 million project includes new shelter, hill slide, playground, multisport court, misting station

“West Shore.” Photo courtesy of SIFF
SIFF reviews: “West Shore,” “Evergreens” and “Dear Aloha”

A canoe journey to the 2023 Paddle to Muckleshoot and a vintage SUV road trip from Spokane explore Washington state in all directions.

t
City of Kent celebrates Pride Month with flag raising

Mayor Ralph encourages people to ‘work together with mutual respect and understanding’

t
Group aims to make Kent Farmers Market a destination

Living Well Kent takes over market from Kent Lions Club; open Saturdays starting June 14