Kensington Metropark Under Repair: Storm Damage Closures Threaten Major Spring and Summer Events
Park police advise the public to adhere strictly to barricades across unpaved forest trails. Saturated soils weaken tree root systems, meaning additional limbs could fall even in modest post-storm breezes. Visitors should avoid venturing off paved multi-use loops until grounds maintenance completes forestry sweeps.
Entrance toll booths have resumed normal operations. Motorists entering Kensington or Stony Creek require either an annual pass ($40 for residents of the five-county park district, $45 for non-residents) or a standard Metroparks daily pass ($10 per vehicle). The park authority confirmed that daily pass holders turned away during Tuesday's emergency closure can present their timestamped receipt for entry within 30 days or request an electronic voucher through customer service.
Anglers and paddlers heading onto Kent Lake must proceed with caution. Submerged branches carried by storm runoff often float inches beneath the water's surface, creating strike risks for outboard motors and small watercraft hulls. Life jackets remain mandatory for all non-motorized vessels.