Judge declares nudity at Denny Blaine a ‘public nuisance’
Seattle ordered to “abate” nudity within 14 days as supporters launch petition to save the park’s clothing-optional tradition
Denny Blaine Park, a cherished, clothing-optional sanctuary for over 50 years, now stands on the brink of a major shift. Judge Samuel Chung, presiding over a lawsuit from the neighbors’ group Denny Blaine for All, declared in an initial hearing that public nudity “as constituted at the park … does constitute a public nuisance.” He has ordered the City of Seattle to submit an official “plan of abatement” by July 28 to address nudity—and other alleged issues—or face potential restrictions or closures.1
While the judge declined to shutter the park immediately, his decision sets a legal precedent: Seattle must now find ways to separate nudity from criminal behavior, or risk losing a space that has long served as a queer and naturist haven.
A park with deep roots
Denny Blaine is a longtime cornerstone of the Seattle LGBTQ+ community. With a reputation for self-governance, park denizens have little tolerance for nudity-related nuisances, and have long stepped in to defuse issues before they escalate, but the surrounding affluent community has pointed to the purported “nuisances” as a way to try to curb the nude use of the park. The formation of Friends of Denny Blaine (FODB) after a 2023 controversy over a playground proposal further shows how invested volunteers have been: adding trash receptacles, removing thorny plants, installing handrails, coordinating with Park Rangers, and planning a bystander-intervention training.
Despite these proactive improvements, parkgoers still face harassment: from neighbors and reported stalkers to false accusations of illegal behavior. Most recently, a trans woman was trespassed simply for being nude—an act later overturned.
What’s at stake and what you can do
This legal ruling has the significant potential to erase a safe, affirming space for LGBTQ+ and body-positive communities. The City now has two weeks to outline how it will “abate” nudity and other behaviors, or risk ceding the park’s historic status.2
Take action NOW: support the Save Denny Blaine petition on Change.org. As of this writing, the signature was just launched and only has a few signatures—far too few for a crisis of this magnitude. Signing is quick and free. Then, share it widely across your networks. Every signature sends a message: Denny Blaine matters.
If you care about safe nudity, nudist spaces, queer history, and public spaces rooted in self-governance, we need your voice. Join us in demanding that Seattle preserve this vital community landmark—for freedom, for expression, and for those who call it sanctuary. 🪐
More reading:
Capitol Hill Seattle. (2025, July 15). ‘Plan of abatement’ — Judge orders city to address reported criminal activity, says nudity in Denny Blaine Park constitutes a public nuisance. https://www.capitolhillseattle.com/2025/07/plan-of-abatement-judge-orders-city-to-address-reported-criminal-activity-he-says-makes-nudity-in-denny-blaine-park-a-public-nuisance
KOMO News. (2025, July 15). Judge: Seattle must address “public nuisance” nudity at Denny Blaine Park. https://komonews.com/news/local/seattle-ordered-to-come-up-with-plan-to-eliminate-nuisance-nudity-at-denny-blaine-park-nude-lewd-acts-drug-use-robbery-assault-homeowner-public-taxes-visit-seattle-summer-playground-beach
Meanwhile I just came back from Vienna with so many public nude (FKK) spots including playgrounds for children 😱. And no body bate an eye. Nude statues although out the parliament too. This is what happens to a country that was founded by rich puritans, who did not want to pay taxes, it's still shaping our culture today - in a negative way.
What a shame! Continuing to lose great locations left and right.