A trial began Wednesday over the future of Denny Bryant Park, Seattle’s clothing-optional beach on Lake Washington.
SEATTLE — A court trial over the future of Denny Blaine Park begins Wednesday in King County Superior Court. Danny Bryant Park is a clothing-optional beach on Lake Washington in Seattle.
A judge will decide the park’s next steps after the hearing competing claims Regarding nudity, public safety and the rights of community members, they say this space is irreplaceable.
“Plaintiffs are asking the court to close Denny Bryant Park. Denny Bryant Park should not be closed,” said attorney Joseph Groshan, representing the city of Seattle.
The lawsuit was filed by a community group called Danny Bryant Park Owners, whose attorneys argue that the park’s reputation as a nude beach is not historical fact and that the real issue is ongoing, documented violations that occur in plain sight.
“The park’s alleged history as a nude beach is purely fictitious,” the plaintiffs’ attorneys said in opening arguments.
“There were multiple sexual acts on the beach,” the lawyer continued. “The city has failed and refused to enforce the law.”
Lawyers for the Friends of Denny Blaine, which defends the park’s clothing-optional status, hit back, saying the space serves a group of people who have no other choice.
“This community includes trans, non-binary and asexual people, for whom Danny Bryant Park is one of the safest places they have,” said attorney Cassandra Calley, who represents the Friends of Danny Bryan.
“They are neighbors, co-workers, friends, family, Seattle citizens and deserve respect,” she said.
Calley argued that nudity was a protected right and that indecency should be enforced and prosecuted separately.
city of seattle outlines Emission reduction plan These include a fenced-off clothing-optional area and increased staffing. Groshong described an “increased physical presence of park rangers and maintenance staff and a progressive approach to enforcement.”
Because this is a bench trial, there is no jury. A judge alone will decide Danny Bryant Park’s future. Court proceedings are scheduled to resume on Thursday.
