Yakima Closing or Limiting Access to City Facilities Because of COVID-19

In response to an executive order issued by Washington State Governor Jay Inslee today that limits gatherings to 50 or fewer people in order to contain the spread of COVID-19, the City of Yakima has closed or limited public access to City-owned facilities.

The Harman Senior Center, the Henry Beauchamp Community Center, the Washington Fruit Community Center, the Yakima Valley Visitor Information Center, and Lions Pool, all City-owned, are closed until further notice. City recreation programs and events have been cancelled until further notice.  Events at the Capitol Theatre and the Yakima Convention Center, both of which are also owned by the City, have been cancelled at least for the remainder of March.

All City board, commission, and committee meetings are cancelled until further notice.

Additionally, the Council’s March 17th regular meeting will be the last to take place publicly during the month of March.  No general public comment will be allowed at the March 17th Council regular meeting.  Community members are encouraged to not attend the meeting unless absolutely necessary.  For example, a public hearing on the Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) will take place at the March 17th Council meeting and, by law, public comment on the CAPER will be accepted.

Community members can still provide input and feedback to Council members via e-mail, postal mail, and telephone.

The City is continuing to provide all services, but strongly encourages community members to utilize online, telephone, and other options to conduct business with the City.  The City’s website (www.yakimawa.gov) includes directions for community members to follow to conduct business with the City by other means than in person.

The Yakima Police Department and Yakima Fire Department are continuing to respond to incidents.  However, community members are strongly encouraged to report incidents online or by telephone.

Additional information will be provided regarding the City’s response to the COVID-19 emergency as necessary.