Seattle speaks out at Denny Blaine Park meeting
The community's plea: Protecting the unique identity of Denny Blaine
Update Dec. 8th @ 12pm PST:
In the latest development of a story closely followed by Planet Nude, Seattle's historic Denny Blaine Park, a nude beach treasured by the nudist and LGBTQIA+ communities, became the epicenter of a heated community meeting on December 6, 2023, where hundreds gathered to voice their concerns over a proposed children's playground at Denny Blaine Park.1
The assembly, which was reported live by attendees on social media, saw a significant turnout, with one tweet capturing the moment: “holy shit the meeting to save the denny-blaine nude beach is PACKED. and the audience is lit.”2
Attendees, many sporting "Save Denny Blaine" attire, emphasized the park's significance not just as a place for sunbathing, but as a crucial safe space, particularly for transgender individuals. The park's historic nude beach, a long-standing sanctuary for the queer and trans community, is now at the center of a heated debate, as the new development threatens its very essence.
Save Denny Blaine
The park, affectionately known as "Dykiki," has been a haven where nudity and LGBTQIA+ identities are celebrated without fear. The proposal for the playground, backed by an anonymous $500,000 donation, has sparked fears among many that it could disrupt the park's inclusive environment. Opponents argue that the addition of a playground adjacent to the nude beach could lead to increased scrutiny, harassment, and possible displacement of the queer and trans community that has long found solace there.
In response to the proposed changes, a petition has rapidly gathered momentum, with roughly 9,000 individuals signing to oppose the construction of the playground at Denny Blaine Park, emphasizing the community's resolve to protect this unique enclave for nudists and the LGBTQIA+ community.
Andrew Sheffer, Deputy Superintendent of Operations for Seattle Parks and Recreation, has promised an update on the situation within two weeks. As the community awaits further updates, the tension surrounding Denny Blaine Park remains palpable. This pending decision is crucial, as it could redefine the future of Denny Blaine Park, a cherished nude beach and LGBTQIA+ safe haven, and influence broader discussions around inclusivity, public space, and cultural heritage. 🪐
Full video of the meeting:
More reporting on the meeting:
The Stranger - Vivian McCall - Fight for Your Right (To Be Naked) - Hundreds Pack Community Meeting to Fight Denny Blaine Playground Plan
Capitol Hill Seattle - jseattle - ‘KEEP DENNY BLAINE NUDE’ — Hundreds fill Seattle Parks meeting to oppose play area backed by private donor
King5 - Cornelius - Playground plan at Denny Blaine Park faces overwhelming opposition
More on Planet Nude:
Gilbert, L. B. (2023, December 7). Community pushes back against playground near nude beach. MyNorthwest. Retrieved from https://mynorthwest.com/3942208/community-pushes-back-against-playground-near-nude-beach/
Tweets cited in this article:
Garland, A. [@AGarlandPhoto]. (2023, December 6). Hundreds have joined the Save Denny Blaine meeting with the @SeattleParks department. Public comment is happening now. [Tweet]. Twitter. https://twitter.com/AGarlandPhoto/status/1732579028945764756
C, J. [@enth]. (2023, December 6). Holy shit the meeting to save the denny-blaine nude beach is PACKED. and the audience is lit [Tweet]. Twitter. https://twitter.com/enth/status/1732592488999989390
9,000 advocates for the beach vs. one weathy anonymous donor. It's shocking it is even possible that the done might win.