Seattle Parks and Recreation says it is considering community feedback and expects to make a decision within weeks on a new kids play area at Denny Blaine after a public meeting on the project drew hundreds of supporters who want to protect the park’s place as an important gathering space for the naturist and queer communities along the shores of Lake Washington.
“We finally found a place where we can be free and open,” one speaker among the hundreds opposing the project said at Wednesday night’s meeting held at the Martin Luther King FAME Community Center. “Kids need a place to play but adults do, too.”
The voices from Wednesday’s meeting are being joined by leaders at Seattle City Hall.
“The consideration of Denny Blaine Park for a playground comes at a time when the queer community nationwide is under attacks on all fronts,” citywide councilmember Teresa Mosqueda said in a statement. “As we have heard in public comment, correspondence from community members, and in recent news coverage, Denny Blaine Park is a Seattle LGBTQIAP+ institution. I am concerned that consideration of funding from an anonymous donation to create a playground on this site plays into harmful stereotypes and creates division within our community where there was none—and could potentially put members of our LGBTQIAP+ community in harm’s way given regulations and norms around nudity in our state, which providing space for a nude beach is designed to help address.”
UPDATE 12/8/23: Seattle Parks has heard the message loud and clear. The play area project at Denny Blaine Park will “not move forward,” a representative tell CHS.
“After hearing from many community members who participated in the community process on the proposed play area project at Denny Blaine Park, Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) has decided not to move forward with the play area project at Denny Blaine,” the statement reads. “While this area of our city still lacks accessible play equipment for kids and families, we understand the feedback that this particular park is not the best location, and we will evaluate other location alternatives.”
The parks department tell CHS it is planning to meet “with leaders in the LGBTQIA+ community to better understand the importance of this beach to the community and the hopes for future uses.”
Many members of the public spoke to the importance of this space and use as a beach, and the cohesion it has brought within the LGBTQIA+ community. Additionally, community spoke of the unintended consequences adding a play area to this beach site would possibly bring. This is why we have a robust community engagement process, ensuring all people – including those who have been historically marginalized – have their voices heard and perspectives considered.
ORIGINAL REPORT: District 3 representative Kshama Sawant says her office has received hundreds of email opposing the project. Continue reading