Seattle – Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell released new details about his administration’s summer safety strategy, representing a comprehensive set of actions to create safer, more accessible parks and public spaces and reduce crime and nuisance activity over the summer months.
“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. “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. This summer safety strategy represents a coordinated One Seattle approach to ensure our parks and public spaces are inviting, welcoming spaces for everyone to get outside and enjoy warmer weather.”
“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,” said Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth, Chair of Parks, Public Utilities, and Technology Committee. “That is why it is critical that our parks remain safe, clean, and accessible for all. I am grateful to the Mayor’s Office, Seattle Parks and Recreation, and the Seattle Police Department for this plan to ensure our parks are a welcoming place for community throughout the summer months.”
Informed by data and community feedback, the strategy aims to address top safety concerns in parks and public spaces, especially those that see a large increase in visitors in the summer months. Actions to enhance safety and create welcoming environments include new police patrols in and around high-priority parks; increased park ranger presence to build community relationships and enforce Parks Code; environmental changes to improve accessibility; and adjusted hours at parks and boat ramps.
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.
These strategies will be continuously evaluated throughout the summer and may evolve to address new hotspot locations and be responsive to community concerns. The City will also gather regular feedback from park visitors to identify issues and needs at parks.
“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,” said Police Chief Shon F. Barnes “Our strategy includes proactive policing measures, such as directed patrols in the parks, and partnering with our Seattle Parks and Recreation Rangers to ensure timely park closures. We want to create an environment where everyone can enjoy the parks without fear of crime or disorder.”
“Seattle Parks and Recreation is committed to creating safe, welcoming spaces where everyone can relax, play, and connect. After four years of piloting reduced summer hours at Alki Beach and Golden Gardens, we are making these limited hours permanent during the summer months. Starting May 23, 2025, to Labor Day, both parks will operate from 4 AM to 10:30 PM daily,” said AP Diaz, Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent. “Additionally, this summer, we will implement both pilot and permanent limited hours at select boat ramps to better manage park activities and prioritize public safety. To further enhance security and support a welcoming atmosphere for all, our dedicated Park Rangers will be present in parks across the city throughout the summer. Rangers help monitor activities, offer assistance, and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors. These efforts are part of our ongoing commitment to meet the needs of our diverse and vibrant community and to ensure our parks remain a shining highlight of the summer season.”
The summer safety plans will complement the ongoing work of the Downtown Activation Team (DAT) to reduce safety and health challenges in public spaces, and Unified Care Team (UCT) to address unauthorized encampments and keep public spaces clean, open, and accessible.