Seattle Parks Closes Seven Hills Park for 60 Days to Address Encampment Issues

Seattle Parks has temporarily closed Seven Hills Park for 60 days to evaluate potential upgrades and address ongoing challenges with encampments and negative activities. The park, which opened in September 2010, has faced similar issues in the past, prompting city officials to take action. The closure allows for an assessment of possible changes, including the addition of new amenities and enhancements to park safety. Community engagement will play a crucial role in future planning, as city representatives aim to involve residents in discussions about the park's future. This decision follows a summer of efforts to clear campers from the area, which included outreach by local activists.

Additionally, other parks in Capitol Hill are also being re-evaluated for similar concerns related to homelessness and drug use. The city's commitment to improving park conditions reflects a broader strategy to enhance community spaces. Seven Hills Park's fifteenth anniversary coincides with this closure, underscoring the need for ongoing attention to urban park management.