Seattle scraps plans for a PLAYGROUND at site of nudist beach used for decades by LGBTQ swimmers, sunbathers and exhibitionists

Plans for a children’s playground are being scrapped after protests from the local LGBT community because it is located near a nudist beach considered a “safe space” for the queer community.

What was described as a “children’s play area,” funded by a private donor who contributed more than $500,000, was being considered for Denny Blaine Park, which for decades was home to a nude beach for swimmers, sunbathers and exhibitionists on Lake Washington.

Nudity is not illegal in Washington State, but the law stipulates that if it “becomes obscene” it becomes illegal.

At a public forum, members of the LGBTQ+ community in Seattle expressed concern that the playground would not only take away their space, but families would use obscenity laws against them if the playground was near the beach.

“It’s always been a place for the weird and wonderful, and that’s what makes Seattle such a great place – it’s the weirdos,” said local advocate Colleen Kimsilove.

A playground intended for children is being demolished after protests from the local LGBTQ community because it is located near a nudist beach considered a “safe space” for the queer community.

The park’s beach is not officially designated as a nude beach, something community members would now like to see after the park was rejected.

“While this area 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 alternative accommodation options,” a city spokesperson said. KING5.

Seattle officials said there is no place within a 10- to 15-minute walk where a playground could be built.

A movement called “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.

Later they made their demands clear.

“Queer and transgender people are at the core of Seattle’s history and culture,” they wrote.

“We are your constituents and were recently alarmed to learn that the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation is considering creating a children’s play area at the northwest end of Denny Blaine Park.”

“Denny Blaine Park is an area that is frequently used as a nude beach by the gay community here in Seattle and is an inappropriate location for a children’s playground,” they added.

“We support finding a site in the area to build a playground, but believe there are better places than Denny Blaine.”

What was described as a “children’s play area” was being considered for Denny Blaine Park, which for decades was home to a nude beach for swimmers, sunbathers and exhibitionists on Lake Washington.

In a public forum, members of the LGBTQ+ community in Seattle expressed concern that the playground would not only take away their space, but that families would use obscenity laws against them if the playground was nearby.

The park’s beach is not officially designated as a nudist beach, and community members would like to see that happen now that the park has been rejected.

A movement called 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 provided a space for testimonials from people who shared what the beach and park meant to their community.

Many in the community are now interested in the private donor who wanted to fund the $550,000 project.

“We just need to acknowledge the fact that one donor can influence our community and close a safe space on a whim by donating half a million dollars. It’s disgusting,” Jesse Miranda said.

According to Sophie Amity Debs, the local LGBT+’s goal from now on is to “officially designate the place as a clothing-optional beach, as well as potentially acknowledge its history as a queer safe space.”

The Seattle Park Service said they “plan to meet with leaders of the LGBTQIA+ community to better understand the importance of this beach to the community and hopes for its future use.”