Community Corner

Bonney Lake to Consider Increasing Safety Measures at Allan Yorke Park

Mayor Neil Johnson plans to propose a number of changes to make Allan Yorke Park a safer place for swimmers at tonight's council meeting. What do you think is needed at the popular park?

Since , have been discussed at city meetings, among citizens and the Bonney Lake High community.

Tonight, Mayor Neil Johnson is expected to make a statement on proposed changes in the park to make it safer for swimmers. He will present his ideas at tonight’s

Last night, facilities and operations manager Gary Leaf presented a few of the mayor’s ideas to the city Park Board for discussion.

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“It’s the first time in 13 years we’ve had an incident like this,” said Leaf.

Issues that the city can address at the park include signage to warn against hypothermia in Lake Tapps’ frigid waters, removal of the floating dock and city staffers patrolling the lake during busy summer days.

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Lifeguards, however, pose a different set of challenges.

“With lifeguards on the lake, the city could be considered accountable or responsible when incidents happen,” said Park Board member Jaime Trejo.

Park board chair Darren Proctor agreed.

“I recommend that we not hire lifeguards, but use that money that could be used to pay them and start swimming lessons,” said Proctor. “The city could set up a voucher program for low-income residents, or people who do not have access to the pool, and the city could subsidize it.”

The following ideas are among Mayor Johnson’s list of proposals for the city. Let the council hear your opinion at tonight’s regular meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Bonney Lake Justice Center.

Ideas for expanded safety measures at Allan Yorke Park, discussed at the Park Board meeting include:

  • Painting new signs on concrete blocks and touching up old ones on the dock in the to make sure warnings like “no diving” and “no shoving/pushing” are easy to see.
  • Adding water temperature signs at the park that warn against hypothermia in the lake.
  • Water temperature sensors that will display the lake temperature for swimmers
  • Remove the park floating dock permanently
  • Offer CPR training at special city events at the park during the summer months
  • Increase Bonney Lake police bike patrols during busy park hours
  • Post a city staffer at the park to direct parking, keep an eye on the park during peak hours
  • Collaborate with East Pierce Fire and Rescue on water safety classes at the park
  • Include throwable floatation devices in the park’s life jacket bank
  • Install a call box near that park that only calls 9-11 for emergencies


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