Labor Day Hours for Membership & Sales Offices:

Open Sunday, September 6th & Monday, September 7th

8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Closed Tuesday, September 8th & Wednesday, September 9th

August 1, 2020

UPDATE: Water has been restored in Phase 1 @12:38 pm

July 30, 2020

UPDATED: WATER RESTORED IN ALL PHASES @ 4:00 PM ON AUGUST 3, 2020

July 21, 2020

Hello Lake Conner Park Members,

Following the General meeting this month, the board met to discuss items that were brought up by members. We are happy to announce the following updates to the current set of restrictions during this Phase of the COVID Safe Start.

Playgrounds: Playgrounds and equipment will be open for “Use at your own Risk”. All users are encouraged to use hand sanitizer before and after contact with the equipment. Social distancing is still expected where possible and the State requirement for wearing a face covering when unable to stay six (6) feet apart is still applicable.
Per existing park rules, children should have adult supervision on playgrounds. Please note that if proper use of the playgrounds is not observed, the board may be forced to reconsider the decision.

Youth Drivers: Youth younger than 16, and tall enough to safely operate vehicles such as golf carts and ATVs – will be allowed to do so ONLY with an adult present in the vehicle with them.
The restriction for driving without an adult remains at 16+. These restrictions are temporary while we help our youth make good choices while the spread of COVID-19 remains a great risk to our health.
Please note that the 5 mph limit AND curfew will be strictly enforced.

As a reminder, please note that the kitchen, Snack Shack and both pools will remain closed for the season. Showers remain closed while in the current phase of the state’s Safe Start plan.

We hope that members are enjoying the nice weather and taking advantage of this summer camping season.

Kind Regards,
LCP Board of Directors and Park Manager

July 21, 2020

Hello Lake Conner Park Members,

Following this month’s General meeting the Board was made aware of an unexpected consequence from last year’s revision to the Bylaws. Specifically, there was a revision requiring more time for members to vote on the annual Board of Director elections.

The new requirement is for a minimum of 35 days between the mailing and the August General Meeting. Unfortunately, the date of the mailing was just under that requirement, causing a situation where an unintentional violation of the bylaws would occur if we counted and announced the vote result at the regular “Third Saturday in August”.

Therefore, the Board of Directors has decided to move the August meeting by one week. The new date for the August General Membership Meeting will be Saturday, August 22nd, 2020 – via Zoom.

We apologize for any inconvenience to members and candidates.

Kind Regards,

LCP Board of Directors and Park Manager

Phase 2 Rewire Project was voted on and it passed so we are moving forward with this project

The assessment to cover Phase 2, Section 1, cost per membership of $220.  This will be broken into two equal payments of $110* over two consecutive billing cycles starting in July 2020 billing cycle.

Project Duration: Estimated four-five months. Work would continue during the season with some limited road detours during the week. Metal plates will cover roadway trenches.

*Contact Membership office for other payment options.

June 17, 2020

Hello Lake Connor Park Members

This weekend marks the beginning of summer and we can only hope that the weather improves accordingly. We are also coming up on two weeks into the return to overnight camping. We hope at least some of you have been able to get to the park and enjoy your sites.

We appreciate all the positive feedback from our previous messages. We will provide regular updates regarding the status of the park as we continue to adapt to the ever-changing landscape around the Covid-19 regulations. We have received many questions and requests from members and the board has taken each one under consideration to see where it may be safe to amend current restrictions.

Following a review by the Board, we are happy announce the following changes. Updates to the operating rules will be sent out by email as well as handed out to members as they enter the park.

Bathhouses: With the addition of another housekeeping staff person, we are able to open up all the remaining bathhouses in Phase 1 and Phase 2 with the exception of a few that require maintenance. While these facilities are no longer just for emergency use, there are still NO SHOWERS for now. This is necessary to limit the time spent in the bathhouse to avoid lengthy wait times by others. Occupancy is limited to no more than 2-3 persons at a time in each bathhouse to maintain social distancing.

Dog Park: We are pleased to say that you and your canine friends may now use the dog park per the normal rules for cleaning up after your pet and maintaining social distancing for pet owners.

Dock Use: The closure of the dock is not specifically related to the Covid-19 restrictions. The dock will remain closed for now due to the lake level being too high as a result of beavers damming up the outflow of the lake. Once the lake level drops well below the level of the walking surface, the dock will be opened for use (with social distancing restrictions).

Playgrounds: These recreational areas are still determined to be unsafe due to the “high-touch” surfaces that can easily transfer germs/viruses from one user to another. We understand that many parents want to be able to have their children enjoy these amenities so we will continue to look for ways to include these areas in future updates to what we are able to offer in the park.

Unattended Minors: We recognize the interest in allowing our youth to generally be free to move around the park without adult supervision. Our young campers will have no restrictions other than the usual park regulations – and we entrust their safety and education to their parents.

Golf Carts: Motorized vehicles such as golf carts and ATVs may be driven by persons age 16 and older.

Pools: Pools remain closed at this time. We are making plans to reopen them once we are in Phase 3.

Rental Sites: We have reopened the rental sites as of this weekend.

Black water Pumping: Due to not having an available, certified employee to staff the pumping service, we will continue to rely on self-dumping or arranging through the office for a pumping service to come into the park. We are currently negotiating price breaks for larger numbers of orders for service.

Please note that all restrictions that remain in place will continue to be reviewed and updated regularly.

Regards,
Board of Directors and Park Manager

LAKE CONNER PARK – TEMPORARY OPERATING RULES
UPDATED – Effective: June 17th, 2020 – Until further notice

MEMBER AGREEMENT: Receipt of this form and entry into the Park constitutes agreement by the member to all of the foregoing restrictions and consequences.

Restrictions:
• GUESTS – No more than five (5) from outside the member household – PER WEEK.
Members are responsible for guest compliance to ALL LCP rules – especially those that help ensure personal safety.
• CLOSURES:
Many Common areas remain closed to use. No club houses or playgrounds
There are no Kitchen or Snack Shack services available.
All pools are closed
Bathhouses are open in Phase 1 & 2 – except 3 & 14 which are closed for repairs.
Bathhouse 14 in Phase 3 is open.
Showers remain closed to limit duration in bathhouse to avoid lengthy wait times by others.
Occupancy is limited to 2-3 at a time to maintain social distancing.

• Black Water Disposal:
  Evergreen Septic Service is available to come to your site – register at office.
  Purchase a Blue Boy black water caddy and use the park dump station next to the security building to empty your tank

• Use of motorized vehicles (golf carts, ATVs, personal vehicles) is allowed for moving around the park – driven by persons 16 years of age and older only.
• No park-organized activities at this time
• No membership office access. Contact by phone or email only.
• Fishing is permitted. Please follow all fish and park boating rules. The dock area is currently closed due to high lake levels.
• Roadways, trails and lake available for use with 6’ social distancing in place

Please help us keep the park safe by following these Rules and all other posted Guidelines.

• Like our regular rules and other posted guidelines, there may be consequences for violations after a friendly warning – up to and including a fine or being asked to leave the park. Egregious violations may result in keycards being deactivated for those who refuse to comply.
• Park Security and designated Caretakers will be available and visible around the park to assist with any questions or concerns. Please understand that they are here to help us so arguing or verbal abuse of any kind to any staff member or caretaker is not acceptable.

June 5th, 2020
To LCP Members,

By now many, if not most of you have heard the GREAT NEWS regarding Snohomish County getting permission to go into phase 2… Which means Lake Conner Park is OPEN for overnight camping effective immediately.

The Park Manager, the LCP staff and many volunteers have made plans and are prepared for the changes as we transition from day-use to overnight campers. The park is in great shape and it welcomes all members with open arms.

There will still be a few necessary restrictions to further ensure we remain vigilant on remaining safe. We do not want to create a false sense of safety as we return to overnight camping. Phase 2 of the Safe Start plan includes having up to 5 persons that are not from your household to be included in your social circle – but please be respectful of others by waiting to be invited before going up to another member or onto their site. Guests are not advised while we are restricted and have limited services – but as long as it complies with the “5 or less”, guests are permitted. Masks are still recommended and if you are experiencing any symptoms, please stay home.

Most common areas (playgrounds, clubhouses) will remain closed during phase 2 of the Safe Start plan. Bathhouses will be closed for now until there is a way to ensure adequate sanitary maintenance and social distancing. This means that while in the park, each site will need to be self-contained regarding bathroom, showering and any other functions that may have usually been conducted at the bathhouses. There will be a few bathhouses open (#1, 4, 7, 12, & 14) in Phase’s 1, 2 & 3 of the park for emergencies ONLY – no showers.

You are encouraged to have and use a portable black water tank for transporting waste to the dump station by the front gate. For those unable to do this, there is an outside company (e.g. Evergreen Sanitation) that can be hired to come to your site and empty your holding tanks for a fee. This is not a park-organized service so you will need to call and schedule with the company directly.

Your Board appreciates the patience and support many have demonstrated over the past many weeks as we have worked deliberately towards this day. We have an amazing family of dedicated LCP members, staff and volunteers who have helped immensely and deserves a great deal of praise. Please take the time to thank them when you see them (sorry – no hugging).

There will be an ongoing effort to monitor our collective ability to use our sites and the park in a manner that allows us to stay safe and healthy – and ready for future phases with increased social interaction. Security and caretakers will be onsite and visible to assist with any questions or concerns you may have while in the park.

As of now, there are no planned activities, but the Activities committee is actively exploring ways for us to interact while respecting and maintaining social distancing. They would likely be receptive to creative ideas from the members. There will be no kitchen, snack shack, pools, or black water service available for the foreseeable future.

We plan on having a modified General meeting on June 20th using Zoom. Please take time to download the app and get familiar with it if you aren’t already. A meeting invitation will be sent to members via email.

Again – Welcome Back Campers!!

LCP Board of Directors
LCP Park Manager

LAKE CONNER PARK – TEMPORARY OPERATING RULES
UPDATED – Effective: June 5th, 2020 – Until further notice

MEMBER AGREEMENT: Receipt of this form and entry into the Park constitutes agreement by the member to all of the foregoing restrictions and consequences.

Restrictions:
GUESTS – No more than five (5) from outside the member household.
Given the limited services, guests are not advised at this time but if you do bring in guests with you, members are responsible for guest compliance to ALL LCP rules – especially those that help ensure personal safety.
Children should have adult supervision at all times outside the member’s site.
CLOSURES:
Common areas are closed to ALL uses. No club houses, dock, playgrounds, dog park, etc.
There are no Kitchen or Snack Shack services available.
All pools are closed
No park-provided septic service.
Evergreen Septic Service is available to come to your site
Purchase a Blue Boy black water caddy and use the park dump station next to the security building to empty your tank
Bathhouses are closed. Campsites shall be fully self contained until further notice.
Selected bathhouses (1, 4, 7, 12, & 14) in phase 1,2 & 3) will remain open for emergency use ONLY – no showers. Please do not use unless absolutely necessary.
Use of motorized vehicles (golf carts, ATVs, personal vehicles) is allowed for moving around the park – driven by Adults Only (18+).
No park-organized activities at this time
No membership office access. Contact by phone or email only.
Fishing is permitted. Please follow all fish and park boating rules. The dock area is closed.
Roadways, trails and lake available for use with 6’ social distancing in place

Please help us keep the park safe by following these Rules and all other posted Guidelines.

Like our regular rules and other posted guidelines, there may be consequences for violations after a friendly warning – up to and including a fine or being asked to leave the park. Egregious violations may result in keycards being deactivated for those who refuse to comply.
Park Security and designated Caretakers will be available and visible around the park to assist with any questions or concerns. Please understand that they are here to help us so arguing or verbal abuse of any kind to any staff member or caretaker is not acceptable.

May 28th, 2020

Update on LCP status on Overnight Camping

Fellow Members,

There is obviously a great deal of interest in getting the park back to having overnight camping. Furthermore, there is a similar interest by members in knowing what is being done to make that happen.

The Board of Directors and park management share equally the desire to get the park back to normal and regret the terrible effect that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on the lives of our members and the use of the park.

Back when this began – none of us knew the full impact to our personal lives and our communities – or how long it would drag on. So, when the state issued its “Stay at home” orders – we did our part to comply. Closing the park was done to support and comply with that order. Then it was announced that private camping facilities were essential – primarily to ensure that long-term residents were not displaced. That order had vague references to not camping in an unsafe manner – not directly saying it was not allowed – and that in itself has caused a lot of confusion for the board and members as well.

Later, on May 5th the state opened up parks to day use and we followed that same week – with reasonable restrictions to maintain social distancing. There was a plan and a great deal of hope that overnight camping would soon follow – as defined in phase 2 of the state’s Safe Start strategy. Now that we know what metrics are being used to allow each county to advance to phase 2, it is clear that Snohomish County, in which LCP resides, is nowhere close to the necessary standard for allowing us to open up our park to include staying overnight. This realization was really unfortunate news as the Safe Start timeline had initially given the board hope for being able to announce overnight Camping by the end of May.

Many members have suggested that we never needed to close – that the state’s rules do not apply to us as a private camping club. And many have suggested that the board does not appear to be doing enough to get the park open. That last part is something we need to own because we have not shared a lot of the efforts going on behind the scenes to make sure that what we are doing is safe and legal.

Ever since the state Safe Start plan was announced, park management has been in frequent contact with other similar camping clubs and much information has been shared between them. Each have their own rules to follow and slightly different circumstances that makes it difficult to just follow each other’s lead. So additional efforts have been made to see what rules really apply to us and what, if anything, can be done to ensure that we are either in compliance with all the laws and state orders – or find a way to get a variance allowing us to be an exception to the rules.

Following many leads, we have called other camping clubs, public and private campgrounds and spoke with their management. What was discovered is that, despite statement on their websites that they have direct permission to be open, none actually have such a confirmation or variance to allow overnight camping to their members or the public. They have simply chosen to defy the order or interpret it in a way that suits their business interests.

Following due diligence, calls to the state by the board has confirmed that there is NO approved overnight camping in counties that are not already in phase 2 – and that this applies to ALL camping, public and private. After asking how other businesses are doing so legally, the response was that they are in violation and risk losing their business license. After much discussion, we were directed to a site where we could apply for a variance – stating our case for why we are a safe place to allow overnight recreation. This application was submitted on May 26th and we await a response from the state.

Meanwhile we have also asked for help from the Snohomish County Executive to be granted an exception to the restrictions. We have also requested a legal read from our lawyer on what our liabilities may be for proceeding with camping in spite of the state order. All of these requests are pending, and we will keep the members informed as new information comes in that may affect our ability to safely and legally reopen our camping season.

Some members have suggested that the board is not listening or does not care about the members. Your board can understand the desire to be open and how the members may see the board as the obstacle to getting what they (what we ALL) want. Please know that your elected board is not the enemy here. We are required by the bylaws to uphold the laws and regulations that govern the park. Risking fines, loss of our business license and further closure are not something your board is willing to do as it is not in the best interest of the park or its members. The board members are individually and collectively liable for violations of our bylaws and/or public laws – so we cannot just “do what we want” without some very serious consequences.

When we receive the response from the state, we will share it in a timely manner – along with the board’s decision on what we will do based on the context of the response. Please be as patient as you are able as we work through this within the constraints of the waiting to hear back from others.

Respectfully,
LCP Board of Directors

Park Use: UPDATED May 18th, 2020

Lake Conner Park Members:

Greetings to you and your family. Thank you for your support, patience and understanding as we navigate the ever-changing landscape of the current Covid-19 situation.

By now, most of you know that the governor of Washington has extended the restrictions through May 31st. However, he has also rolled out a 4-phase plan to reopen the state to allow us all to get back to a more normal life – and that includes the use of our camping club.

The first of these phases begins this week with day-use of state parks – so we are taking our cue from the state and have created some temporary rules to allow for Day-Use of our park starting this Friday, May 8th.

The Board and Park management welcome you back and hope that we can all be so grateful to get to use our sites that we will be extra careful to ensure we stay on course for a more full opening as the state moves through it’s later phases that will include overnight camping and moderate social gathering.

Please carefully read the attached set of rules and restrictions. Share with all household members that may join you in the park as each will need to know and comply with every condition.

The expansion from the current 2-hour limit is being done on a trial basis. Just like the state phases where the governor said the following: “Access to parks for Day-use may be closed at any time if there is reason to believe unsafe conditions exist or social distancing practices are not being adhered to.”, we will likewise be carefully monitoring compliance to these new and all other existing rules of the park.

Please be reminded that visits over 3 hours count as a day used against your total (per our Conditional Use Permit) – it’s not something we can waive so please keep that in mind.

Sincerely,
LCP Board of Directors
LCP Park Manager

LAKE CONNER PARK – TEMPORARY OPERATING RULES
UPDATED – Effective: May 18th, 2020 – Until further notice

MEMBER AGREEMENT: Receipt of this form and entry into the Park constitutes agreement by the member to all of the foregoing restrictions and consequences.

Restrictions:
• Day-use ONLY from 9AM-7PM
o NO OVERNIGHT CAMPING

• No guests – members only – and their household family.
o Only those persons registered on the site certificate as an owner or co-owner and their immediate household. If multiple households, please comply with state guidelines on social distancing.
o No “Authorized users” – unless they are living in the same household as owner.
• Common areas are closed to ALL uses. No club houses, dock, playgrounds, dog park, etc.
• No park-provided septic service.
o Evergreen Septic Service is available to come to your site
o Purchase a Blue Boy black water caddy and use the park dump station next to the security building to empty your tank
• Select bath houses are open for day use. Locate the bath house closest to you
o All park showers will be closed – DO NOT USE.
• Use of motorized vehicles (golf carts, ATVs, personal vehicles) is allowed for moving around the park – driven by Adults Only (18+). Any and all passengers may only be those from the same campsite/household. Wave as you pass by but please do not stop to socialize with others.
• No park-organized activities.
• No pool use.
• No membership office access. Contact by phone or email only.
• No kitchen, food service or snack shack.
• No unattended children outside the member’s site at any time – No ATV or golf cart use.
• Campfires will be allowed but must be out cold by 6PM or when you leave, if sooner.
• Fishing is permitted. Please follow all fish and park boating rules. The dock area is closed.
• Roadways, trails and lake available for use with 6’ social distancing in place
• No gatherings of any kind are permitted beyond those members of a single household.

Please help us keep the park safe by following these Rules and all other posted Guidelines.

• Like our regular rules and other posted guidelines, there may be consequences for violations after a friendly warning – up to and including a fine or being asked to leave the park. Egregious violations may result in keycards being deactivated for those who refuse to comply.
o NOTE: Your understanding and cooperation with posted regulations is greatly appreciated so we don’t need to close or further restrict park use. The BOD & Park Manager will frequently review and adjust these rules as conditions warrant.
• Helping us to ensure safety and compliance will be occasional patrols from park staff and by designated Caretakers – primarily towards the end of each day to ensure fires are out and members have left the park. Please understand that they are here to help us so arguing or verbal abuse of any kind to any staff member or caretaker is not acceptable.

April 21^st 2020

To Members, Staff and Volunteers of Lake Connor Park:

On behalf of the Board and Park Management we sincerely hope each of you and your families are well and healthy. Like us, you are likely following the news and the health guidelines set forth by the local, state and national authorities as they track to course of this ongoing pandemic.  These are unusual and challenging times and, as such, we are compelled to continue to take unprecedented actions to protect our staff, volunteers, members, our community AND the investment we have each made in the long term success of the park we all love.

The decision to close the park remains in place for the immediate future – allowing only those with no other home in Washington state to remain – with restrictions and limited exposure to one another. We have listened to and understand the issues and interests many of you have expressed via social media, by email, phone calls and in person. We can especially relate the desire to enjoy your site in these challenging times. We ask for your continued understanding and patience as we all do our part to stay the course in ensuring that we help mitigate the impact of the virus and reduce the likelihood of restarting the spread by lifting the restrictions too soon.

Some members have questioned the decision to close the park or the need for all the restrictions. We understand most of the concerns and recognize that we may likely be criticized no matter what decisions we make. Please know that the staff – and board you elected to look after the park as well as the health & welfare of the members is doing what it feels is best to ensure that your treasured park will be viable and ready for us to enjoy for generations to come.

Member and staff safety are paramount to us. Currently, our staff is healthy and working. It could be disastrous for our staff to become infected and/or quarantined as we may end up without the critical employees to take care of business. Very little would be done to be ready for reopening.  We only have a staff of approximately 20, so one infection has the potential to shut us down completely. We remain open for business with limited hours, resources, and staff but we are still able to continue with cleaning, planning and preparations for summer, projects, and maintenance work.  As of now, none of that has changed.

Staff and volunteers are still working hard every day. In addition to keeping critical areas clean and sanitary, our maintenance staff and Caretakers are getting the park ready for summer so we can enjoy all the fun and enjoyment we each are so looking forward to.  As we all know, there is lots to do and they are keeping busy doing as much as they can. Sales and office staff are open for business via e-mail, phone and through our website. Security maintains a constant watch on the park and, along with help from volunteers, have helped to keep our park and your personal property safe and looked after. There had been a few incidents early on involving some vandalism and attempted theft from an outsider, but these were handled swiftly and effectively.

At this time of the year, we have Snowbirds returning from all over the United States. Only those with nowhere else to live are being allowed back into their sites – with restrictions – as per the direction of the state’s governor. The park is not open for recreation – just as an essential residential service at this time.

Just to keep you informed – the ballots for the re-wire project have been secured and won’t be counted until the ban on social gathering is lifted enough to allow the Elections Committee to meet and follow the bylaws for validating the measure. While the rewire remains a critical part of our future, the circumstances around us at this time is causing that to not a priority right now.

At this time, we have no clear direction to share on when we will be open again. We will be closely monitoring the state and federal guidance as it applies to the recreational use of our park.  It is likely that even once we open we may need to do so in phases – with some restrictions still in place to help ensure we are all safe and that the park is set up for success going forward. We will keep you posted.

Please, please, please, on behalf of the Board and Park Management, be safe, stay healthy and follow the guidelines by our state and local government. With good fortune we may soon be able to return to the life we all enjoy in our beautiful park.  Thank you all for your help in keeping Lake Connor Park as ideal as we can for when we can all return.

Respectfully,

Board of Directors

Park Manager