Update: Seattle reverses course on Denny Blaine Park playground plans

Community advocacy triumphs in preserving the park's nude beach culture

Source.

Just hours after our last update, Seattle Parks and Recreation has announced a significant reversal on the proposed children's play area at Denny Blaine Park, following a massive showing of opposition at a community board meeting on December 6th.¹ This swift decision comes as a triumph for the nudist and LGBTQIA+ communities, who have been vocal in their opposition to the project.

The proposed playground, which was to be funded by an anonymous private donor, sparked a heated debate and a substantial community response. A recent meeting saw residents strongly voicing their concerns about the potential impact on the park's longstanding nude beach culture, a sentiment echoed by over 9,000 petition signatories.

Acknowledging the overwhelming public sentiment, Seattle Parks has recognized Denny Blaine Park's value as a safe and inclusive space for the LGBTQIA+ community, deeming the initial playground proposal unsuitable. This move underscores the department's commitment to hearing and responding to community feedback.

With the playground plans now shelved, Seattle Parks is set to explore other locations while the community celebrates this rapid turn of events. This victory highlights the impact of united community efforts and stands as a reminder of the ongoing dialogue between public authorities and the communities they serve. 🪐

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1. Beekman, Daniel. (2023, December 8). Seattle cancels plan for privately funded playground at nude beach. The Seattle Times. Retrieved from https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/seattle-cancels-plan-for-privately-funded-playground-at-nude-beach/