To protect the health of local residents, the City of Federal Way Parks Department will close Steel Lake Park indefinitely starting Thursday, Aug. 13.

“The decision to close the park is one we do not take lightly. As a community we need come together to address this serious threat to public health. That means making difficult decisions like this one,” Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell said in a news release on Aug. 10.

Steel Lake Park is located at 2410 S. 312th Street in Federal Way.

The gates to the vehicle entrances will be locked and the pedestrian entry points will be clearly marked with signage indicating the closure.

As of Sunday (Aug. 9), data from Seattle — King County Public Health Department showed Federal Way has had 1,242 positive cases of COVID-19 and 118 hospitalizations — a number that has steadily risen since July 25, the news release said.

There have been 20 total deaths from the virus recorded in Federal Way.

“We hope people continue to abide by the Governor’s statewide mask mandate and continue to social distance as we help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Federal Way,” Ferrell said.

Steel Lake Park is a popular attraction in Federal Way for outdoor activities and has drawn many visitors in recent weeks due to the warmer weather. The 52-acre park offers a playground, volleyball courts, a designated swimming area, boat launch and picnic areas.