Firstly, the Board would like to state that it fully understands the unique situation that we are living and working under in today’s world. The decisions that are made are done so with the health and safety of the Park staff and the security of the Park in mind. Not all decisions will be met with acceptance by everyone, but decisions need to be made to meet our mandate as a Board. As circumstances change decisions will be made to reflect those changes and members will be updated to any changes.
While the Park office has received numerous emails of support for the Board’s actions’ they have received emails from two US members challenging the decision of the Board not to allow residents to come to the Park to mow their lawns, pick up supplies and check on their trailer.
On March 23, 2020, Governor Inslee issued Proclamation directing all residents immediately heed current State public health directives to “stay home”, except as needed to maintain continuity of operations of essential critical infrastructure sectors and additional sectors such as the State Public Health Officer may designate as critical to protect health and well-being of all Washingtonians. In accordance with this Proclamation, the Governor has designated a list of “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers” to help state, local, tribal, and industry partners as they work to protect communities, while ensuring continuity of functions critical to public health and safety, as well as economic and national security. The Park has reviewed that list and is complying with essential services which includes Park security.
Governor Inslee's statement is to stay at home, and everyone has one home and that is where they have indicated on official documents; i.e. tax returns where their official home is located. By definition of the Park being a recreational park with 180 day stay rules, the trailer cannot be deemed an official residence.
Governor Inslee’s directive is to shut down all non-essential businesses. All State camping parks have been shut down. As an RV camping Park Leisure Park would be totally shut down as well, except we have a few full-time residents, which is contravention to County ordinances. The Park Solicitor has affirmed that this is not the time to make them leave and to indicate that we will be dealing with this at our next AGM or appropriate time as dictated by the COVID-19 directives.
The decision to shut down the Park except for the full-time residents is consistent with the essential services directive of Governor Inslee and the Park Solicitor agrees with this action.
The decision of the Board stands. In taking these actions the Board is also addressing its primary concern for the health and safety of our staff.
The Park is following guidelines from the government, and as the COVID-19 situation evolves, we will be changing how the Park is managed and will advise.
We know there are other issues of concern to members and the Board continues to consider and deal with issues as appropriate. Our next regular Board meeting is scheduled for April 18, 2020 and the Board will be addressing a number of issues at that meeting and will inform members as appropriate.
The Board
