Support Denny Blaine Park: Friends launch $3.3 million fundraiser
Seattle nudist community rallies for park improvements amidst ongoing controversy
Denny Blaine Park, a beloved haven for the nudist and LGBTQ+ communities in Seattle, is once again in the spotlight. This time, the Friends of Denny Blaine Park have launched an ambitious fundraiser aiming to raise $3.3 million for park improvements. This effort comes on the heels of recent revelations that have reignited concerns about the park’s future and the influence of wealthy neighbors.
A community’s call to action
Last year, Denny Blaine Park faced a significant threat when plans emerged to construct a children’s playground, funded by an anonymous $550,000 donation. This proposal, which sparked widespread opposition, was eventually scrapped after a passionate community meeting in December 2023. The donor, recently revealed to be philanthropist Stuart Sloan, had communicated directly with Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, expressing his disdain for the park’s nudist visitors. Text messages between Sloan and Harrell highlighted deep insider influence and underscored the need for vigilant community action to protect the park’s unique character.
In response to this controversy, the Friends of Denny Blaine Park group has mobilized to preserve and enhance the park. They are now calling on the community to support their $3.3 million fundraiser, aptly named “Denny Blaine’s Our Country Club.” The name originates from a suggestion made by a neighbor during a December 2023 meeting with Seattle Parks Commissioners, where the neighbor told the 400+ parkgoers to “each give ten dollars and make your own country club.” Friends of Denny Blaine Park emphasize that public spaces are for the public and that LGBT parkgoers and nudists don’t need a country club; they already have a place for them at Denny Blaine.
Fundraising goals and recent revelations
The fundraiser seeks to fund a variety of projects to improve the park. Key priorities include transportation, safety, and infrastructure enhancements, with a particular focus on adding bathrooms, a long-requested amenity. The detailed breakdown includes projects such as water testing kits and volunteer training, anti-sexual harassment supplies and training, artist stipends, bike racks, native plant landscaping, signage and artwork, ADA infrastructure, and constructing new bathrooms.
The urgency of this fundraiser is highlighted by recent reports from Seattle’s The Stranger and KUOW, which unveiled private text messages between Sloan and Mayor Harrell. These messages showed Sloan’s persistent efforts to influence city officials to curb nudity at the park, including sharing photos of parkgoers with the mayor and expressing his disgust. Sloan wrote, “If you are disgusted I share your disgust,” and continued, “This is disgusting, and as you’ve said, we’re on the right side of this issue.”
Mayor Harrell responded, promising to take action and stating, “I will get it done.”
These comments are not only inherently homophobic but also reflect a broader, troubling attitude that represents a threat to naturists everywhere. The text messages revealed a troubling level of influence exerted by wealthy individuals over public spaces.
Get involved
Your donation can make a tangible difference. Contributions at various levels can fund critical items and services, from water testing kits and native plants to bike racks and artist stipends. Larger donations can help finance significant infrastructure projects, such as restoring parking and constructing much-needed bathrooms.
The Friends of Denny Blaine Park group invites everyone to contribute to the fundraiser and help realize their vision for the park. Whether it’s a small donation or active participation in community events, every bit helps. For more information on the fundraiser and how to donate, visit Friends of Denny Blaine Park’s fundraising page.
By supporting this fundraiser, you are not just contributing to park improvements but also standing up for the values of inclusivity and community that Denny Blaine represents. Let’s work together to make Denny Blaine the best park it can be and ensure it remains a cherished space for generations to come. 🪐
So let me see if I understand this. This body hater TOOK PHOTOS of park visitors, assumingly without their consent, and then shared them around the Mayor's office? Eww.
We are experiencing a similar shift here on the Sunshine Coast, BC, Canada. What was once a more laid back, free loving community has been invaded by wealthy land owners snapping up all available beach front property and then basically forcing our municipalities to 'clean up' nudity on what were once secluded little beach areas. It's really exploded in the last 3 or 4 years.