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 http://kowloonland.com.hk/?big=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

Photos by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing.
Elf Academy cadets in Renton earn their jingle bells | Photos

The annual Elf Academy let’s local kids get their holiday spirit on with fun games, dancing and crafts.

Courtesy of the Grand Kyiv Ballet.
Ukraine’s most prestigious dancers bring ‘The Nutcracker’ to South King County

On Sunday, Dec. 22, the Grand Kyiv Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” will showcase the most prestigious ballet dancers from Ukraine.

The Kent International Festival received a $15,700 grant from 4Culture, one of several Kent groups to get funds. Courtesy Photo, Kent International Festival
Kent cultural groups to receive county grants from 4Culture

Kent International Festival, Kent Downtown Partnership, Greater Kent Historical Society among organizations

t
Kent’s Winterfest kicks off holiday season with tree lighting, parade

‘A fun, fabulous time had by all’ during celebration at Town Square Plaza

t
Donations begin in Kent for annual Toys for Joy program

Firefighters also run Jerry Woods Holiday Engine program to collect toys, money

t
Entertainers wanted for Talent Quest show in Kent on Jan. 30

People of all ages and talents invited to register for event that will feature cash prizes

In early October, the Tahoma National Cemetery donated over 1,000 pounds of food for King County Veterans Program clients. According to the KCVP Facebook page, 34 food bags were made to give away to local veterans. Photo courtesy of King County Veterans Program
Veteran services throughout South King County

When it comes to local services for veterans and their families, the… Continue reading

The Kent Holiday Craft Market will run Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1-2 at the Kent Senior Center, 600 E. Smith St. COURTESY PHOTO, City of Kent
Catch the Kent Holiday Craft Market Friday, Saturday Nov. 1-2

Features one-of-a-kind, handcrafted gifts from local artists and craftspeople

Photos by Joshua Solorzano/The Mirror
Wild Waves 2024 Crypt Keeper Challenge contestants.
Wild Waves 24-hour coffin challenge produces 5 brave winners

The first meal of the night at the Federal Way amusement park was tarantula-covered pizza.

Team Survivor Northwest hike to Twin Lakes in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Courtesy photo.
Team Survivor Northwest leads hiking adventures for women battling cancer

“It’s so wonderful connecting with all these women,” said breast cancer survivor Jennifer Dovey.

Kent Station’s annual Haunted Boo-Levard is from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31 at the shopping center. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Station
Kent Station shopping center plans Halloween celebration Oct. 31

Trick or treating at local shops from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

t
Street of Treats Halloween event in downtown Kent set for Oct. 26

A frightfully fun family outing from 2 to 5 p.m. at 11 participating businesses