Seattle Council Recognized Denny Blaine Park as Landmark
The city council formally acknowledged the park's LGBTQ+ history following past efforts to limit its public use.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in LGBTQand
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The Seattle City Council passed a resolution recognizing Denny Blaine Park as an LGBTQ+ landmark. This move formalizes the site's queer history after years of tension regarding its use.
Why it matters
The resolution protects the site against attempts to erase its queer history and restrict public access. It marks a significant shift in city policy toward the historic gathering place.
The park has been a subject of controversy for 3 years since a mayoral attempt to install a playground. It is currently divided by a chain-link fence separating grassy areas from the nude beach.
The players
Joy Hollingsworth
She serves as the Seattle City Council President and sponsored the resolution to recognize the park.
Seattle City Council
This is the legislative body responsible for municipal policy and park land designations in Seattle.
Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation
This city agency manages public spaces and is currently collecting public feedback regarding the park.
Seattle Police Department
This law enforcement agency previously conducted enforcement actions against visitors at the park.
The details
The resolution, sponsored by Council President Joy Hollingsworth, follows a state-level designation on the Washington Heritage Register. While the Seattle Police Department previously evicted nude visitors, current policies prevent park staff from confronting or documenting individuals for lewd behavior.
Timeline
State officials added the park to the Washington Heritage Register in 2025.
A court ruling in 2026 clarified that the park will remain open.
The Seattle City Council passed the recognition resolution in September 2026.
The deadline for submitting written public comments is October 5, 2026.
Culture Shift
The council's resolution aligns with a broader trend of securing LGBTQ+ spaces through formal heritage designations. This follows the path set by the state's inclusion of the park on the Washington Heritage Register to ensure preservation.
Residents can now formally participate in the future management of the park by submitting written feedback to the city. This ensures that public voices influence the site's long-term preservation and usage policies.
The takeaway
The formal recognition of the park secures its place as a protected LGBTQ+ site within the city. Residents who frequent the space are encouraged to engage with the upcoming public comment period to help shape future operations.
What happens next
Members of the public can submit written comments regarding the park to the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation before the deadline on October 5, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local historical preservation in the LGBTQand section.
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Should your city council grant landmark status to parks with histories of community controversy?
