Government Unkept trails, cancelled programs. Washington state feels the impact of federal forest cuts Dozens of people across Washington state who worked at national parks and forests have lost their jobs in recent weeks, as part of sweeping overhaul of the federal workforce by President Donald Trump. Those firings could cause ripple effects across state programs that benefit hikers, backpackers, and mountain bikers. Casey Martin
Environment Washington state eyes disaster declaration to reopen Olympic Park’s Hoh Rainforest In December, the Hoh River took out Jefferson County’s Upper Hoh Road, the only vehicular access to the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, campground, picnic area, and trailheads. The county’s efforts to get federal aid for emergency repairs have failed, for lack of a disaster declaration. John Ryan
Environment Cleanup at Seattle's Green Lake targets abandoned fishing lines that can ensnare wildlife Abandoned fishing lines are the focus of a volunteer cleanup effort at Seattle’s Green Lake this weekend. The stray lines are blamed for killing two owls along the water’s edge in recent years. Amy Radil
Health Seattle auditor says public park bathrooms stink The city of Seattle needs more clean public bathrooms, according to a report from the City Auditor out this month. The report cites a lack of available facilities and recommends some improvements. Casey Martin
Neighbors of Jackson Park want free access to be par for the course Unlike other large parks in Seattle, Jackson Park is only open to golfers. Now, a neighborhood group wants to change that. Joshua McNichols
Government For many families with disabilities, few Seattle playgrounds feel meant for them Ann Dornfeld Play AudioListen 5 mins
Sports It’s a no to pickleball and a yes to wildlife for Seattle’s Lincoln Park After almost a year of campaigning, wildlife advocates in Seattle were handed a win this week. A city plan to place six pickleball courts on a disused tennis court pad in Lincoln Park in West Seattle has been scrapped. Kate Walters
Government Who was the anonymous donor behind the controversial kid playground at Denny Blaine nude beach? Normally a new playground wouldn’t raise eyebrows, but Denny Blaine, which sits on the shores of Lake Washington, is a haven for nudists, who worried they could be charged with indecent exposure to a minor. Ashley Hiruko
Government Seattle has 2 new parks, but they don't have names. Any ideas? Seattle is slated to get two new parks. But they don't have names yet. Maybe you can fix that. Dyer Oxley
Government After years of waiting, Seattle is getting two new dog parks. They each cost more than $1 million Seattle dog owners rejoice: the city is about to get a pair of new, off-leash dog parks. After more than a year conducting studies, holding public hearings, and posting online surveys, the off-leash dog parks could maybe be here soonish. Casey Martin
