Ken Lake Parks for Ken Lake Residents

 We cannot believe we have to say this. We do not want to open the parks to the public.

Facts About Ken Lake’s Amenities

Ken Lake is home to some of the most beautiful shared spaces in Olympia. From our lakeside parks to the Urban Forest, these amenities reflect decades of care, planning, and stewardship by the community and its board.

Some are newer — like the Urban Forest trail system — while others date back to the earliest days of the neighborhood. Back then, the playgrounds hadn’t yet been built, and the lake parks weren’t fenced.

Many long-time residents remember that time fondly — when open spaces invited casual connection and trust among neighbors. But it’s important to clarify: nostalgia for that openness doesn’t mean anyone wants to make Ken Lake’s parks public.

Let’s take a moment to set the record straight and celebrate what makes our shared amenities special.

Ken Lake Parks Are Not Public

The beaches, trails, playgrounds, and open spaces within Ken Lake are private amenities, owned collectively by the Ken Lake Community Club and maintained with association dues.

Access is limited to Ken Lake residents and their guests — a policy clearly outlined in our governing documents and reaffirmed by decades of consistent management.

The fences and access points we have today serve as markers and practical safeguards, but the parks’ status as private association property has never changed — whether fenced or unfenced.

Kaiser Woods Entrance

Last year, the LCC was given the opportunity to purchase an empty lot adjacent to the world class Kaiser Woods mountain biking trail. While the board worked through logistics — a process that takes time and careful planning — the lot was ultimately purchased by a private party, and the discussion subsided.

If a similar opportunity arises in the future, Friends of Ken Lake candidates commit to share details early and ensure every member has the information needed to participate fully in the conversation. Transparency and communication remain core to our community’s decision-making.

A Neighborly Reminder

The parks belong to the Ken Lake community — and no one is proposing to change that.

We can honor our memories of a more open past while upholding the responsibilities that keep our community secure, beautiful, and thriving.

Together, we can cherish both the spirit of connection and the safeguards that preserve it.