- Consideration was given to creating a “children's playground” for Denny Blaine Park, home of the nudist beach on Lake Washington for decades
- Nudity is not illegal in Washington state, but the law makes it illegal if it 'crosses over into something obscene'
- Members of the LGBTQ+ community expressed concern that the playground would take up their space
Plans for a children's playground are being scrapped following protests from local LGBTQ citizens because it is close to a nudist beach considered a 'safe place' for the queer community.
What was described as a “children's playground” — funded by a private donor who donated more than $500,000 — was considered for Denny Blaine Park, which for decades has been home to the nudist beach for swimmers, sunbathers and exhibitionists on Lake Washington.
Nudity is not illegal in Washington state, but the law makes it illegal if it “crosses over into something obscene.”
In a public forum, members of Seattle's LGBTQ+ community expressed concern that the playground would not only take up their space, but that families would weaponize the obscenity laws against them if the playground is close to the beach.
“It's always been a place for the weird and the wonderful, and that's part of what makes Seattle such a wonderful place, is the weird,” said local community advocate Colleen Kimseylove.
A playground intended for children is being demolished after protests from local LGBTQ citizens because it is close to a nudist beach considered a 'safe place' for the queer community
The beach at the park is not officially recognized as a nudist beach, which community members would like to see happen now that the park has been decried.
“While this part of our city continues to lack accessible playground equipment for children and families, we understand feedback that this particular park is not the best location, and we will evaluate other location alternatives,” a city spokesperson said. KING5.
Seattle officials claimed there was no space within a 10- to 15-minute walk where a playground could take place.
A movement calling itself Save Denny Blaine has posted literature online, including a map showing four different locations where a children's playground could be built, while maintaining distance from the beach.
At a later stage they made their demands clear.
“Queer and transgender people are fundamental to Seattle's history and culture,” they wrote.
“We are your constituents and were recently alarmed to learn that Seattle Parks and Recreation is considering installing a children's playground in the northwest portion of Denny Blaine Park.”
“Denny Blaine Park is an area that is often used as a nudist beach by the gay community here in Seattle, and is not the right area for the construction of a children's playground,” she added.
“We are in favor of finding a place in the area to build a playground, but we think there are better locations than Denny-Blaine.”
What was described as a “children's playground” was considered for Denny Blaine Park, which for decades has been home to the nudist beach for swimmers, sunbathers and exhibitionists on Lake Washington.
In a public forum, members of Seattle's LGBTQ+ community expressed concern that not only would the playground take over their space, but that families would weaponize obscenity laws against them if the playground were nearby.
The beach at the park is not officially recognized as a nudist beach, which community members would like to see happen now that the park has been decried
A movement calling itself Save Denny Blaine has posted literature online, including a map showing four different locations where a children's playground could be built while maintaining distance from the beach.
The group hosted testimonials from people who shared what the beach and park meant to their community.
Many in the community are now curious about the private donor who wanted to finance the project to the tune of $550,000.
“It is imperative to recognize that one donor can impact our society and close a safe space at his or her discretion by donating half a million dollars. It's disgusting,” Jesse Miranda said.
The goal for the local LGBT+ community as of now is to “officially designate this space as a clothing-optional beach and potentially recognize its history as a queer safe space,” according to Sophie Amity Debs.
Seattle Parks wrote that they “plan to meet with leaders in the LGBTQIA+ community to better understand the importance of this beach to the community and the hopes for future use.”