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Community Parks

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1. What time do the parks open and close?

Park hours are from dawn to dusk. Dawn is 30 minutes before sunrise, and dusk is 30 minutes after sunset.

2. Do you have an off-leash dog park?

French Lake Park is 10 acres in size, and has been fenced and double-gated to provide a secure place for owners and their dogs to romp, get the exercise they need and have fun off-leash. It is located at 31531 1st Ave. S. French Lake Park Rules

3. How is a Picnic Shelter Reserved?

Picnic reservations can be made in person from 9:00 am to 11:00 am and 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm M-F at the Federal Way Community Center:
876 S. 333rd St.
Federal Way, WA 98003

You can also leave your information on the picnic reservation line at (253) 835-6964. Payment can be made over the phone using either Visa or MasterCard or in person by cash, check or credit card. For more information, view our Rates or the Picnic Application.

4. How long is the BPA Trail?

Phase 1: 1-mile trail (Celebration Park to 1st Avenue)
Phase 2: 0.95-mile trail (1st Avenue to SW Campus Drive / Aquatic Center)
Phase 3: 1.4-mile trail (SW Campus Drive to S. 356th)
Phase 4: 0.25-mile trail (S. 356th to Madrona Park Playground)
Total: 3.6 miles of paved pathway

5. Can I reserve a park for large gatherings?

A Special Event Permit is required for any community, special or private event not sponsored by the city that requires other than routine use of any park or outdoor facility. Special Event Permits are available on a first come, first served basis. Please call the Picnic Reservation line at 253.835.6964 or download our Special Use Permit.

6. Where is swimming permitted?

Swimming is allowed in Steel Lake Park in the designated swimming area only.

Lifeguard hours are Monday through Thursday from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Friday from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 noon to 7:00 pm. The lifeguards will be on duty starting June 18, 2011 and will end September 5, 2011.

7. Are campfires allowed?

Campfires are prohibited in all city parks.

8. Can we bring barbecues into the park?

Barbecues are allowed in the park. You must properly dispose of the hot ash. It is not to be dumped in tree wells.

9. Who do I call about a dead or leaning tree that's not on my property?

Call the City of Federal Way Parks Department at 253.835.2700. They will determine ownership of the property and proceed accordingly. If the tree is on property owned by Federal Way, it will be inspected and then a final determination made as to how the tree concern will be handled.

10. When is fishing season?

Fishing in Steel Lake Park is permitted from the last Saturday in April until October 31. For more information, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website.

11. Who should I contact for Eagle Scout projects?

Due to limited staff, projects will be considered on a case by case basis. You may contact Parks and Facilities Supervisor Jason Gerwen at 253.835.6962.

12. Do you have a skate park?

The skate park is located at 2410 S. 312th Street.

13. Are fireworks allowed in city parks?

Fireworks of any kind are not allowed in any city park or recreation facilities.

14. Where can I camp overnight in Federal Way?

Overnight camping is not allowed in city parks. There are two state parks nearby (Dash Point State Park is located in Federal Way and Saltwater State Park is located in nearby Des Moines). For more information, please visit the Washington State Parks.