https://www.watchcamas.com/forum/official-city-of-camas/parking-lots-at-all-city-of-camas-parks-and-trailheads-now-closed-posted-3-31-20

@Phil Williams Yes, I saw that. There's nothing in that press release that says you can't park along Everett or Lake. I spoke to a CPD officer I know and they said they've been given no directives to stop parking along Everett or Lake.

@Deb Taylor Sorry Deb, but you've still not addressed an earlier comment explaining that the city no longer allows parking along the side of the road on lake/everett and I believe police we're already beginning to lightly enforce that. The city is also installing a fence and signage along the road to make the act of parking there physically difficult.

The fact that one problem might follow with another is not a reason to disregard the initial problem. One thing at a time, that's how we find our way to progress on any issue. Maybe pause to recognize the fact that most will see the closure, get the message and change their plans, while a few may persist, the problem is that much less.

This closure will make it even easier for our city employees working to enforce these orders. Surely you see the good in them having a lighter load at worst and the problem going away entirely at best?

@Roy K. We're just getting started, give it some more time.

@Roy K. would you care to cite any specific examples Roy, or are you just going to throw those broad statements out without any support - as many on NextDoor choose to do?

I haven't had the same experience that you seem to have had and I'm interested in learning more. Let's actually talk and find solutions together.

@Roy K. I don't know about black and white thinking or logical fallacies, but THIS happened today. Care to discuss?

https://www.cityofcamas.us/81-city-news/1554-parking-lots-at-all-city-of-camas-parks-and-trailheads-now-closed

Sensationalism? When the Governor has a stay at home order in place, and the Parks are closed in the City of Camas, I'm not sure parsing words that the trails are actually open, thus justifying a parking lot full of people really addresses the point of both those orders.

@Scott Hogg Scott, I'm not parsing words (I copied that directly from the state proclamation) or justifying anyone's behavior. I'm simply pointing out that the picture you posted does equal our neighbors ignoring the best available guidance. Posting a picture like that and asking, "Did they not get the memo?" implies a bias you are trying to impose on others, whether you know it or not. The media uses that tactic frequently. Worth noting, I agree with you from a personal perspective.

I forwarded the same photo to the city's Parks Manager, Jerry Acheson, to ask if there is an active discussion between he and the mayor about closing these parking lots. It seem counteractive to leave parking lots open considering the governor's order. The parks are closed, people can walk to the trails if they need, but it's a luxury, not a need. All parking lots at these facilities should be closed at this point to discourage regular use like this. I also asked Jerry if he'd made a formal recommendation to the mayor or to his counterpart at the county parks department, that we close these parking lots. I've yet to receive a response on that.

@Deb Taylor, surely you wouldn't disagree that these cars, just inches from one another, could easily lead to a repeated violations of the current physical distancing orders while people enter or exit their vehicles. Hard not to graze other vehicles casually with hands or clothing while parked this close - especially considering little ones.

Closing the parking lots to all closed parks facilities in Camas seems like a simple step towards good. Further, not doing this could be looked back on as a form of negligence by the city and staff should they allow it to continue. Why would we not do every little sensible thing at a time like this if it might save some lives?

@Phil Williams They'll just park on Everett or Lake Road then, creating another safety hazard. Would grocery store parking lots be next? When I was at QFC yesterday, the cars there definitely weren't 6' apart.

@Deb Taylor I appreciate the response Deb, but grocery stores are not city/county owned/operated. There is an entirely different responsibility to the public safety than with a private corporation (which should also be taking measures to control the regular flow of people, but without the same obligation that a government holds).

The city no longer allows parking along the side of the road on lake/everett and I believe police are already beginning to lightly enforce that. The city is also putting in a fence and signage to make this clear.

The fact that one problem might follow with another is not a reason to disregard the initial problem. One thing at a time, that's how we find our way to progress on any issue.