Seattle unveils plan for clothing-optional zones in Denny Blaine Park amid controversy

The City of Seattle released a plan on Monday to reduce public nudity and other sexual acts at Denny Blaine Park following a court-granted injunction.

A court granted an injunction by the “Denny Blaine For All” neighbor association, which called for the closure of Denny Blaine Park after numerous sex acts and drug use were reported daily.

City of Seattle’s new plan for Denny Blaine Park

The Denny Blaine For All group requested an immediate closure of the park, but a judge granted the city 14 days to put together an abatement plan instead.

“In response to the Court’s ruling on preliminary injunction, the City has submitted an initial plan to abate nuisance activities and improve conditions at Denny Blaine Park,” the City of Seattle stated.

The plan is centered around dividing Denny Blaine Park into two separate areas, one where clothing is optional, and the other where clothing is required.

“The City has consistently said that we will not tolerate lewd and illegal activities at the park, including masturbation, leering, or public sex,” the City of Seattle stated. “We believe the proposed plan balances the historical nude use of the park, including by the LGBTQIA+ community, while also addressing unwanted and illegal behaviors that impact both park users and the surrounding community.”

Other parts of the plan include establishing visual barriers that separate the clothing-optional areas. New signage will also be installed, indicating specific park rules, including state and local laws.

A significant increase in Park Ranger staff will be implemented to educate users on park code, promote voluntary compliance with new park rules, and provide enforcement if necessary.

“The City’s plan fails to address the ongoing illegal activity at Denny Blaine Park and even recommends ‘limiting the portion of the park that is clothing optional to the area least visible from residences,'” Denny Blaine For All stated, according to KIRO 7. “We fail to see how that could even be possible, let alone how it could be enforced.”

Denny Blaine For All recounted various recent occurrences of the rampant crime and public sex acts at Denny Blaine Park in its statement.

“Since the injunction, public safety has worsened—underscored by a large overnight party that drew a major police response after one parkgoer brandished a gun and another slashed tires during a heated argument,” Denny Blaine For All stated, according to KIRO 7. “Public sex acts, masturbation, indecent exposure, and lewd conduct also continue. The plan ignores the park’s “free-for-all” reality and growing risk of serious harm to park goers and the community.”

The City of Seattle noted the Denny Blaine Park issues will be addressed during a hearing on Aug. 6.

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