In a significant turn of events, Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community successfully halted a proposed plan to build a children’s playground at the city’s Denny Blaine Park. This park is renowned as a cherished queer haven, particularly popular for its secluded beach where many enjoy the freedom of nude swimming and sunbathing. The park’s unique culture has been a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community for years.
Concerns and Community Mobilization
The plan, which would have cost $550,000 and was funded by an anonymous donor, was met with substantial opposition from the local LGBTQ+ community. Many feared that the introduction of a playground adjacent to the beach would lead to increased policing and possible indecency accusations against the nude beachgoers. Concerns were raised that the real agenda behind the project was to disrupt the queer-friendly environment of the beach.
Activist Milo Kusold expressed apprehensions about the potential weaponization of children against the queer community in this context. The proposal sparked widespread debate and an online petition against the playground that gathered over 9,000 signatures. The strength of community response was evident in a packed meeting on December 6, where many LGBTQ+ community members and allies voiced their opposition.
A Turnaround Decision
The city’s decision to scrap the playground project was a testament to the power of collective community action. Seattle Parks and Recreation, in a statement, acknowledged the importance of the beach to the LGBTQ+ community and the need to find an alternative location for the playground. This victory underscored the beach’s significance as a safe and inclusive space, particularly highlighted by Vince Reiman, a Black transgender man and local homeowner, who shared his personal story of finding solace at Denny Blaine.