Covington City Scoop E-Newsletter

Volume 6, Issue 2 | June 2026

Covington Park & Recreation District

Covington Park & Recreation District Measure to Appear on Aug. 4 Ballot

The City of Covington provides parks, trails, and recreation programs to serve the community. However, there is currently no dedicated and sustainable funding to maintain and expand the city’s park system despite the growing need for more accessible, high-quality parks, trails, and recreation facilities to support our community’s health, recreation, and quality of life.

In August, Covington voters will be asked to decide whether to create the Covington Park and Recreation District, a local metropolitan park district. If approved by voters, the district would establish a new property tax levy dedicated exclusively to parks and recreation purposes within Covington.

The proposed initial property tax rate would be $0.37 per $1,000 of assessed value (approximately 50% of the allowed maximum levy rate of $0.75 per $1,000 of assessed value). If the measure is approved, revenue generated by the district would be dedicated to parks and recreation uses. Initial priorities identified for funding include:

Improved park maintenance and upkeep
Improvements at Covington Community Park
Improvements at Founders Park
Improvements at Jenkins Creek Park
Expansion of Jenkins Creek Trail
Continued planning for a proposed Whole Health Community Center, which includes a new aquatic center

Over the long term, the proposed district would provide reliable and sustainable funding for Covington parks and recreation. District funding could also support future financing options, such as bonds, for larger community facilities like a new community center.

If not approved, there is no identified source of dedicated and sustainable long-term funding for improving park maintenance, new park improvements, continuing the planning for a new Whole Health Community Center, or reliable and sustainable funding of parks and recreation. Additionally, current operational funding for parks and recreation through the General Fund is not sustainable as prices continue to increase for other General Fund expenditures, especially police and public safety.

The August ballot measure asks residents to consider whether to create a separate funding structure specifically for these purposes. As with any ballot measure involving taxes and public services, understanding what is proposed, how it would be funded, and what it could mean for the community

is an important part of making an informed decision.

To learn more about the proposed Covington Park and Recreation District, visit www.covingtonwa.gov/cprd.

Learn More About Ballot Measure

Minor Home Repair Program

Do you know any residents who may be in need of minor home repair? Please share this info with them!

Residents who meet income requirements can now apply for the City’s Minor Home Repair Program. This program helps cover the cost of essential home repairs, making homes safer, more accessible, and easier to maintain.

If you or someone you know could benefit, applications are now available. Don’t miss this chance to get the help needed to stay safe and comfortable at home.

For more information email jjohnston@covingtonwa.gov, call 253-480-2411, or stop by City Hall to pick up and application packet.

City Partners with FlashVote for Resident Feedback

Do you have about one minute a month to help make Covington better? The City of Covington is working with FlashVote to engage the community and gather valuable input from residents to inform our decisions.

Flash Vote is designed to be quick and convenient and most surveys take about a minute or less. You’ll receive occasional surveys and can respond whenever it works for you. Sign up takes less than a minute and your input is always kept anonymous. Plus, personal or demographic information is never shared with the City or anyone else.

When signing up, you can decide how you receive surveys, whether by email, text or phone call. You'll receive a notification when there is a new survey and you'll have 48 hours to participate. After it closes, you'll also receive the results so you can see how your responses compare to other residents.

So, why sign up?

You can help guide city decisions
Make sure your voice is heard
Participate on your own time anywhere you want

We encourage residents to sign up now so you don't miss the first survey coming soon! Go to www.flashvote.com/covingtonwa or call 775-235-2240 to participate by phone or text only. The more residents who participate, the better we can understand what our community wants and needs!

Support Your City Parks

Our parks department is actively seeking grants for the Jenkins Creek Park expansion project and the Jenkins Creek Trail acquisition and your voice can help make a difference.

Letters of support from the community will help strengthen our chances of securing funding for these community projects. Letters of support can be submitted by individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations.

Please consider submitting a letter by Friday, July 10 to enewton@covingtonwa.gov. Letters should be on your organization's letterhead, if applicable, and in PDF format.

You can find letter templates for each project at www.covingtonwa.gov/parks/pps.php. Thank you for supporting projects that help enhance our community and outdoor spaces!

Letters of Support

Ready Set Play! Free Summer Adventure Returns June 23-August 31

Get ready for a summer full of exploration, adventure, and community fun! Ready Set Play returns June 23 through August 31, celebrating 11 years of helping local kids discover businesses, complete challenges, and earn rewards along the way.

Designed for elementary school-aged children (ages 5–12) in the Covington area and Kent School District, Ready Set Play encourages kids to get active, build confidence, and engage with their community. There are no age restrictions, provided participants are able to complete activities independently or with assistance from a parent or guardian.

How It Works

Participants begin by picking up a Ready Set Play lanyard at one of the designated locations. Throughout the summer, kids visit participating businesses, complete a simple activity, and collect a unique Brag Tag® at each stop. Most locations are in Covington, with a few additional stops in Kent and Maple Valley.

Children must be present to collect their Brag Tags®, and tags may not be picked up by parents or other participants on their behalf.

Once all Brag Tags® have been collected, participants can bring their completed lanyard to Covington City Hall beginning July 6 to claim a prize pack, available while supplies last.

Important Dates

Kick Off & Lanyard Pick Up at Covington Community Park on June 23 & 24 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Brag Tag® Collection Period: June 23 – August 31, 2026
Prize Pack Pick-Up Period: July 6 – September 4, 2026 at Covington City Hall
Lanyard Pick-Up Days: June 23 and 24, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., at Covington Community Park
Additional Lanyard Pick-Up Locations Beginning June 25: Covington City Hall, Covington Library, Walls of Books, and The Game Shelf (subject to change)

Ready Set Play is a partnership between the City of Covington and the Covington Chamber of Commerce and has become a favorite summer tradition for local families. Mark your calendars and get ready to collect, explore, and play your way through another exciting summer adventure!

Ready Set Play Website & Info

Summer's Coming: A Season of Fun and Celebrating America's 250th Awaits

Longer days, warmer weather, and a calendar packed with community events is what happens when summer arrives in Covington!

This year, summer fun comes with an extra reason to celebrate. As communities across the nation begin commemorating America's 250th anniversary, Covington will incorporate patriotic themes, special activities, and opportunities to reflect on our nation's history throughout many of this summer's events.

Whether you're looking for family-friendly entertainment, live music, outdoor movies, friendly competition, or opportunities to connect with neighbors, there's something for everyone this season. Grab your calendar and get ready for a summer full of memories.

Celebrate at Covington Days

One of Covington's most anticipated traditions returns July 18 & 19. Covington Days brings the community together for a weekend filled with hometown pride, entertainment, activities, food, and fun for all ages. It's the perfect opportunity to celebrate everything that makes Covington a great place to live, work, and play. This year's celebration will also feature special America 250 elements as we honor our nation's milestone anniversary.

Don't miss the parade Saturday at 10 a.m., live music throughout the weekend, the Reptile Man, the Watermelon Eating Contest, Free Ice Cream Giveaway with City Council and the ever-popular Kids Zone. Learn more at www.covingtonwa.gov/covingtondays.

Music Under the Summer Sky

Pack a lawn chair, bring your friends and family, and enjoy live performances at our Outdoor Concerts at Covington Community Park. On Friday, July 24, enjoy tunes from the band Hell on Heels and on Friday, July 31, enjoy the band Groove Nation. Concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. and our July 31 concert will incorporate the America 250 theme.

Movie Night, Covington Style

Experience the magic of movies under the stars at our Outdoor Movie Series Friday nights from July 24-August 14. Bring blankets, snacks, and the whole family for a relaxing evening in the park watching favorite films on the big screen and munching on free fresh popped popcorn handed out by your city council members. Our July 31 movie will incorporate the America 250 theme and feature the movie National Treasure.

Kids Fest: Big Fun for Little Ones

Families won't want to miss Kids Fest, a special event designed just for children on Saturday, August 8 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.. Featuring games, activities, entertainment, and interactive experiences, Kids Fest offers an exciting day of fun and discovery for young community members.

Serve Up Some Competition

Think you've got what it takes on the pickleball court? Grab a partner and join the Summer Slam Pickleball Tournament for a weekend of friendly competition, great sportsmanship, and community fun August 22 & 23. Players of varying skill levels are encouraged to participate. Register at www.covingtonwa.gov/athletics.

From community celebrations and outdoor entertainment to sports and family activities, Covington's summer lineup offers countless ways to get outside, stay active, and make memories with family and friends.

Be sure to watch the City's website and social media channels for future updates and additional details. We can't wait to see you out and about this summer!

City Event Webpage

UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS

June 9 - Regular City Council Meeting @ 7 p.m.

June 11 - Arts Commission @ 5:30 p.m.

June 12-14 - World Cup Viewing Parties

June 17 - Parks & Recreation Commission @ 6:30 p.m.

June 18 - Planning Commission @ 6:30 p.m.

June 19 - Juneteenth - City Offices Closed

June 20 - Summer Splashtacular @ 4 p.m.

June 23 - Ready Set Play Kickoff Event #1 @ 11 a.m.

June 23 - Regular City Council Meeting @ 7 p.m.

June 24 - Ready Set Play Kickoff Event #2 @ 11 a.m.

June 24 - Princess Superhero Meeting & Greet @ 12 p.m.

June 24 - Human Services Commission @ 5:45 p.m.

June 25 - Economic Development Council @ 4 p.m.

June 25 - Equity, Cultural & Social Justice Commission @

6:30 p.m.

July 3 - Independence Day Observed - City Offices Closed

July 3 - First Friday Pool Party for Teens @ 8 p.m.

July 9 - Arts Commission @ 5:30 p.m

July 14 - Regular City Council Meeting @ 7 p.m.

July 15 - Parks & Recreation Commission @ 6:30 p.m.

July 18 & 19 - Covington Days Festival @ 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

July 22 - Human Services Commission @ 5:45 p.m.

July 23 - Economic Development Council @ 4 p.m.

July 23 - Equity, Cultural & Social Justice Commission @

6:30 p.m.

July 24 - Summer Concert - Hell on Heels @ 6 p.m.

July 24 - Outdoor Movie - Spongebob @ 9 p.m.

July 28 - Regular City Council Meeting @ 7 p.m.

July 31 - Summer Concert - Groove Nation @ 6 p.m.

July 31 - Outdoor Movie - National Treasure @ 9 p.m.

Aug 4 - National Night Out

Aug 7 - First Friday Pool Party for Teens @ 8 p.m.

Aug 7 - Outdoor Movie -Zootopia 2 @ 8:45 p.m.

Aug 8 - Covington KidsFest @ 10 a.m.

Aug 11 - Regular City Council Meeting @ 7 p.m.

Aug 13 - Arts Commission @ 5:30 p.m.

Aug 14 - Outdoor Movie - Supermario Galaxy@ 8:30 p.m.

Aug 15 - Theatre in the Park - Emma @ 6 p.m.

Aug 16 - Theatre in the Park - Emma @ 6 p.m.

Aug 19 - Parks & Recreation Commission @ 6:30 p.m.

Aug 20 - Planning Commission @ 6:30 p.m.

Aug 22 & 23 - Summer Slam Pickleball Tournament

Aug 25 - Regular City Council Meeting @ 7 p.m.

Aug 26 - Human Services Commission @ 5:45 p.m.

Aug 27 - Economic Development Council @ 4 p.m.

Aug 27 - Equity, Cultural & Social Justice Commission @

6:30 p.m.

*Dates/times are subject to change. Check city website calendar for most current details.

View Online City Calendar

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