City dusts off plan for nude zone in Denny Blaine in court battle to keep park open

Seattle's City Attorney has submitted a proposal to create a clothing-optional zone at Denny Blaine Park, responding to ongoing complaints about sexual activities in the area. The court-ordered plan includes limiting nudity to less visible parts of the park, installing visual barriers, and increasing the presence of park rangers. Ann Davison, the City Attorney, argues the plan seeks to balance the rights of neighboring property owners with the historical significance of the park for the LGBTQIA+ community. A judge will evaluate if the plan meets legal standards amidst a lawsuit from the neighbor group Denny Blaine Park for All, which has called for the park's closure until issues are resolved. The city's proposal revisits earlier discussions about zoning the park, which had been set aside earlier this summer.

The new plan aims to enforce park rules through progressive enforcement methods, including education and potential law enforcement involvement for serious violations. Friends of Denny Blaine, advocating for community-focused solutions, had previously opposed the city's zoning strategy. The outcome remains uncertain as the judge considers both the abatement plan and a motion for more time to engage in abatement efforts.