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City of Vancouver, Washington

 Have some fun in the sun at your local parks

Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Contact: Brian Potter, Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation, (360) 619-1123
E-mail: 

The recent warm weather has inspired many local residents to get outside and enjoy some of the wonderful public parks available throughout our community.

Approximately 5,500 cars visited Frenchman's Bar, Vancouver Lake, Salmon Creek-Klineline Pond and Lewisville regional parks this past Memorial Day weekend (May 23-25, 2009). This is an increase of more than 4,000 cars over last year's Memorial Day weekend.

These regional parks are favorites with residents and visitors given the family friendly amenities, including water access, trails, picnic areas, playgrounds and large lawn areas for pick up sports games.

Recent improvements to some city and county parks have helped to attract additional visitors. Leverich Park in Vancouver has new playground equipment, resurfaced parking lots, an updated corporate sized picnic shelter and a disc golf course. Lewisville Park, located north of Battle Ground, has an improved tennis/basketball court and will receive additional improvements to its playground equipment, parking lots and pathways later this summer.

Looking to get out and enjoy our parks this summer? Here are some tips you may find helpful:

• There is a new seasonal parking pass program available at most of the regional parks (four parks for $40).  If you plan to visit Lewisville, Vancouver Lake, Frenchmen's Bar or Salmon Creek parks on a regular basis, purchase a seasonal pass from the staff at each park's fee booth (cash only) and get unlimited access to all four parks this summer.
• Plan ahead and contact the Marshall Community Center (487-7100) if you want to reserve a picnic shelter for a family or business gathering.
• There are a number of great community events planned at Esther Short Park and other area parks this summer. Get more information about these events on the Web at www.vanclarkparks-rec.org.
• If you or your group would like to host a large event, such as a corporate picnic, or intend to bring in any rental play equipment to one of our parks, please call Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation to get a special use permit (619-1123). Our staff can help direct you to a park with facilities that can best meet your needs.
• There are three large, public off-leash dog parks in Clark County. Find out more at this Web page: www.clarkdogpaw.org. Dogs are not allowed off the leash at any other city or county park.
• Park rules signs are posted at every park for your information.

With so many great parks, trails and open spaces available in our community, there is sure to be a location to meet your family's needs and interests. Check out our website for more information about all the wonderful parks and trails located in Vancouver and Clark County at: www.vanclarkparks-rec.org.

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