SEATTLE — Mayor Bruce Harrell has announced a comprehensive summer safety strategy aimed at enhancing security and reducing crime in Seattle’s parks and public spaces.
The plan seeks to create safer and more accessible environments for residents and visitors during the summer months.
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“Whether you’re watching a fireworks show at Gas Works or a sunset at Golden Gardens, summer is one of the best times of year to be outside and enjoying Seattle’s world-class parks system,” said Mayor Harrell in a press release. “While violent crime has been trending in the right direction so far this year, the recent violence in Pioneer Square shows that we cannot let our guard down and need to be proactive heading into the warmer months to keep our communities safe.”
Increased security at parks:
Implement proactive police patrols at high priority parks and boat ramps, including Alki Beach Park, Golden Gardens Park, Seward Park, Magnuson Park, Cal Anderson Park, and more.Increase park ranger presence in parks to respond to community concerns about illegal and nuisance activity.Provide legal support from the City Attorney’s Office to park rangers and police to enforce trespass warnings, noise complaints, and unpermitted vendor violations.Add new security to support closing and clearing parking lots and assign parking enforcement to regularly patrol hotspot locations for violations.
Environmental Changes to Create a Safe Experience:
Install new gates at high-priority parks to prevent unauthorized after-hours access.Add new jersey barriers and other deterrent elements to parking lots to prevent reckless driving and street racing.Lock restrooms overnight and ensure regular cleaning and maintenance.Implement other Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) improvements, including improved lighting, trimmed vegetation, and more.
Re-establishing Safety Norms and Closure Times:
Establish seasonal operating hours at parks and boat ramps starting over Memorial Day weekend.Add new signage and reader boards to notify users about changes to park hours and park policy.Implement tiered response to respond to increased or sustained safety issues at parks, including additional changes to park hours or increasing ranger presence
Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth, Chair of the Parks, Public Utilities, and Technology Committee, emphasized the importance of maintaining safe and clean parks. “Seattle’s parks are a destination for community. A place where family, friends, and neighbors come together to celebrate all that is special about our city — especially in the summer,” she said.
Police Chief Shon F. Barnes highlighted the proactive policing measures included in the strategy. “We have developed a comprehensive summer safety plan aimed at transforming our parks into safe, vibrant spaces for all of Seattle, especially for families and children,” he said.
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Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent AP Diaz announced permanent limited summer hours for Alki Beach and Golden Gardens, operating from 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily, starting March 23, 2025. “Seattle Parks and Recreation is committed to creating safe, welcoming spaces where everyone can relax, play, and connect,” Diaz said.
The summer safety plans will complement ongoing efforts by the Downtown Activation Team and Unified Care Team to address safety and health challenges in public spaces and manage unauthorized encampments.
The city will continuously evaluate the strategies throughout the summer and adjust them as needed based on community feedback and emerging issues.
