Lynnwood Pride blocked from flying Pride flag at public park, city cites policy

Lynnwood Pride spoke out against the city’s decision to deny its request to raise a Pride flag at Wilcox Park.

While a Pride flag is on display at Lynnwood City Hall, city leadership cited a policy that prohibits flying specialty flags within public parks. Currently, Wilcox Park, where Lynnwood Pride wanted to fly its flag, has dozens of American flags and a POW flag.

“Currently, the city does not have a process for allowing community groups to raise flags in our parks,” Nathan MacDonald, a spokesperson for the City of Lynnwood, stated, according to KOMO News. “We do not plan to make any changes until a formal policy is in place. We are in the process of developing a policy that creates a clear distinction of what is allowed at our parks compared to our city facilities.”

Lynnwood Pride calls for the resignation of the city’s parks and recreation’s director

In response, Lynnwood Pride filed a complaint, and is calling for the parks and recreation director’s resignation for allegedly denying the group’s request.

“We don’t see any reason why a specialty event or specialty flag should not be allowed to fly,” Lynnwood Pride Co-Director Philip Lipson said, according to KOMO News. “It’s not harming anybody. It’s providing an educational opportunity for people to notice what’s going on.”

Despite the frustration, city leadership said it still wants to work with Lynnwood Pride moving forward, and is currently considering drafting a new policy regarding flying specialty flags in public parks.

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