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Boat‑launch parking enforcement begins; residents question Discover Pass notice and year‑to‑year validity
Summary
Parks staff reported early steps in enforcement and signage changes at Cove Park and Northcote boat‑launch parking. Several residents urged the city to reconsider how it handled Discover Pass acceptance after some pass holders said they bought passes in 2024 expecting them to be valid in 2025.
Lake Stevens parks staff told the council on June 24 they have started a multi‑department effort to enforce boat‑trailer parking rules at city boat launches, and residents urged clearer notice about a recent change in which parking passes the city accepts.
Parks manager David Green said the city has begun public messaging, distributed reminder cards to windshields, painted trailer‑only stalls at Northcote and ordered permanent trailer‑only signage; striping quotes and enforcement protocols are underway in partnership with police.
Resident concerns: Multiple residents told the council they bought state Discover Passes in summer 2024 to park at Cove Park and only learned later that the city would stop accepting the Discover Pass after a December 2024 deadline. One speaker said she bought a pass late in the 2024 season and expected to be able to use it the following summer; she asked the city either to honor still‑valid Discover Passes through the 2025 boating season or to provide clearer advance notice to prospective purchasers.
David Green told the council staff would revisit the Discover Pass policy when a returning staff member is available; he said staff had a note showing a two‑month notice was posted earlier (dated Oct. 15, 2024) that indicated the Discover Pass would no longer be accepted after December. Residents said that timing does not align with how and when many people buy or use watercraft and passes.
Green described early voluntary compliance since the city’s messaging began and said enforcement will be paired with new striping and signs. A council member asked whether enforcement, striping and fines will apply during high‑use events such as the farmers market; Green said yes, enforcement is expected to run during busy days.
What the council asked staff to do: staff said they will review the Discover Pass timeline and messaging with returning staff and report back. Citizens asked for clearer signage and timing so people who purchase seasonal passes late in a year are not surprised the following season.
