Visitors from mainland swamp island swim spot, prompting COVID-wary officials to close it
You’ve all been voted off Anderson Island.
Authorities on the South Sound island have closed its popular beach at Lowell Johnson Park. Visitors to the island, which can only be accessed by ferry from Steilacoom, have overwhelmed the park this summer.
“With temperatures and social distancing fatigue on the rise, the park has become overcrowded,” said Anderson Island Park & Recreation District commissioner Belen Schneider. “AIPRD can no longer ensure compliance with the governor’s Phase 2 safety guidelines.”
Known as “The Ol’ Swimming Hole,” the park is located on the shore of Florence Lake, one of two lakes on the island.
“We’ll reopen the park in Phase 3, but ask people to stay closer to home until then,” Schneider said.
Schneider is concerned about the Anderson Island’s vulnerable population. She said the island has a higher than average percentage of seniors living on it.
The island is a popular subject for travel writers, and it’s steadily grown in popularity over the years, Schneider said.
“It’s a hard but necessary decision,” said commissioner Chuck Hinds. “The last thing we wanted to do was shut down a staple of island summer fun, but we recognize that our responsibility is to keep our community safe. Folks visiting this park also spill over into the ferry lanes, store, café and restaurant, which is a problem during the pandemic.”
This story was originally published August 5, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
