Neighbors and community members will have a chance to shape the future of Denny Blaine Park as Seattle Parks and Recreation launches a new design process this
Neighbors and community members will have a chance to shape the future of Denny Blaine Park as Seattle Parks and Recreation launches a new design process this September.
The agency is hosting community meetings to develop a long-term plan for Denny Blaine Park, with sessions set for Wednesday at the Madrona Playground Shelter House.
The effort aims to honor the park’s history, support its queer legacy and ensure the space feels inclusive to park users and neighbors for future generations.
Organizers say the plan could address parking needs, restrooms, signage, park upgrades like new trash cans, seating and landscaping as well as basic infrastructure improvements.
Most of the funding is dedicated to creating the long-range site plan, while some will go toward smaller improvements.
An image of the displays at a Public Engagement Session: Denny-Blaine Park Long-Term Plan on Sept. 23, 20269. (KOMO)Seattle Parks and Recreation will also support designing signage that recognizes the park’s history and educates the public about new use guidelines, with any proposed sign language going through legal review.
Separate from the design planning, the department is asking for feedback on draft Supplemental Use Guidelines specific to Denny Blaine Park, which would set out new rules for the site.
An online survey is also open through Oct. 5.
These new public engagement efforts follow a recent King County Superior Court ruling that found ongoing illegal activity at Denny Blaine Park constitutes a public nuisance.
Legal fight over nude vs. lewd at historic Denny Blaine Park
The lawsuit, brought by Denny Blaine Park for All—a coalition of local residents and community members—centered on reports of lewd conduct and other illegal behavior interfering with the public’s ability to safely use the park.
The court issued a permanent injunction, ordering the city to address safety and accessibility at the site but declined to close the park.
Denny Blaine Park for All said in a statement that the lawsuit was focused on unlawful conduct and not aimed at any group, saying that the group “emphasized the lawsuit was not directed at the LGBTQ+ community or aimed at excluding anyone from using the park.” Instead, the aim was to address “unlawful conduct that interfered with public access,” according to the coalition.
The court cited findings that Seattle Parks and Recreation staff were told not to directly confront people engaged in lewd conduct, not to gather evidence, and to stay in their vehicles.
The judge also referenced Seattle Police Department data showing more police calls for lewd conduct at Denny Blaine Park than any other area examined.
