Encampment Returned to Seattle Woodland Park Lot

The return of RVs to a key training route has disrupted local youth cross country events.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Running

Bold flat-color editorial illustration depicting a gravel path leading toward stylized evergreens, symbolizing the restricted access to park space. — Encampments have returned to Seattle's Woodland Park, forcing youth cross-country leagues to relocate training sessions due to ongoing safety concerns and access issues. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Recreational vehicles have returned to a gravel parking lot in Seattle's Woodland Park near Green Lake. The presence of the encampment has forced youth cross country leagues to relocate training and competitions due to safety concerns.

Why it matters

Youth athletics rely on consistent access to municipal park trails for training and organized meets. Persistent obstacles in these shared spaces directly impact the viability of local youth sports programs.

The gravel lot has been cleared of encampments at least 2 times in recent years. This site serves as a vital segment of the local running route used by youth cross country teams.

The players

Woodland Park

This is a major public park in Seattle that serves as a central hub for various recreational and competitive sports activities.

The details

The encampment is situated on the south side of Woodland Park near N 50th St, directly impacting a primary running route. A coach reported being followed and intimidated by individuals at the site, leading leagues to shift their activities to other locations.

September 28, 2026

Season Trajectory

The recurring loss of this training route forces youth programs to constantly adjust their schedules and venue logistics. This instability complicates the competitive season, as teams lose reliable access to established race courses.

Youth cross country programs must re-route training and relocate competitive meets to avoid the site near N 50th St. Coaches and athletes face continued safety concerns that limit their ability to utilize standard park infrastructure.

The takeaway

Access to public park facilities remains a critical factor for the continuity of youth sports in urban areas. Consistent maintenance of shared recreational paths is essential to ensure that training and competitive schedules remain viable for young athletes.