Reader report: Camping – and campfire – in Schmitz Park

Laura says the area of Schmitz Park in the photo at left is near where she saw this: “I took a walk today, around 1 PM, through Schmitz Park. After smelling smoke from a possible fire, my neighbor explored a bit more by walking off the trail. He found what looked like a makeshift (single-person) camp. The man had the appearance of being homeless, but scurried off once my neighbor approached. There was a blue tarp, hanging socks, and more disturbing, a recently started (camp?) fire at the base of a dry tree, with dry brush all around it. Now, I know the park is fairly wet and damp, but I would hate to see something catch on fire, then spreading throughout the trees. He was reporting it to 911, but I wanted to give you a heads up as well. The … photo (is) in the proximity of the location. Just walk straight up (in the photo), up the hill and that is where the little fire was.”

rbj October 24, 2008 (7:30 pm)

Poor guy. Must be horrible having to be homeless in yuppie west seattle.

Ms Pam October 24, 2008 (7:45 pm)

To bad that there is not some way to help the “homeless” person out instead of just kicking him or her out of the park. No one really wants to live that way…Stuff happens to people…

changingtimes October 24, 2008 (8:10 pm)

i know! how horrible!! poor guy was just trying to stay warm in this freezing weather!!!!! and i know i know yuppie seattle will be like well go down to the shelter…but sometimes it just doesnt work out like that…….

some guy October 24, 2008 (9:43 pm)

Too bad there’s not a homeless camp nearby where he could go to be safe and all the people who are afraid of him being in their neighborhoods would have him out of their way. This at no cost to taxpayers and a little easier for police to do their jobs by having many of the homeless in one spot without having to respond to people calling in about some guy camping out in the park. Oh wait, there was such a place until they kicked them all out too!

MargL October 25, 2008 (12:58 am)

Well they could just open up all those cabins with BBQs in Camp Long for the homeless folks and then they wouldn’t have to worry about brush fires in the middle of the woods under trees. ‘Course the folks that want to rent the cabins would be out of luck but they probably have nice houses with backyards to camp in already. Thhhpppt.

Chris October 25, 2008 (7:23 am)

Poor Guy ????? How Horrible ??? Have you ever thought of taking personal responsibility for our lot in life. He’s sleeping in a park, he did it to himself. For all those sympathetic to his situation, invite him into your home, feed him , cloth him, make him warm and cozy. Good luck trying to save the world.

GB October 25, 2008 (9:37 am)

One BIG concern…what has he been using as a bathroom? Human waste in a park is a public health issue…

marty October 25, 2008 (9:43 am)

Homeless in Schmitz Park and Camp Long, ground covered with condoms in Volunteer Park, assaults in Seward Park…. Now Seattle wants MORE money for parks! I say not a nickel (pun) until they can make what we have safe and useful.

Ms Pam October 25, 2008 (10:44 am)

Another thought on this is maybe the “homeless” being that they are losers or just people that have fallen on some really tough times, maybe if they had some place to “fall back on” wouldn’t prey on our vulnerable in society (such as my brother that was killed by one in his OWN apt back in 2007)just for shelter and lifes necessities.

Tim October 25, 2008 (2:48 pm)

“Poor guy” or not, he doesn’t belong there. He might be dangerous to others, and staying there might be unsafe for him. Call the police and have him ushered out. Just because someone doesn’t like going to the shelter doesn’t mean they should be allowed to camp out in the city park.

worms Roxanne, I'm afraid of worms. October 25, 2008 (2:57 pm)

i don’t understanding how generalizing everybody in a neighborhood and name calling helps the situation.

bgh October 27, 2008 (11:07 am)

AMEN. Good comments Tim. If the people are so worried about a “poor” homeless man, let him camp out in YOUR backyard.

JH October 28, 2008 (3:13 pm)

My backyard is Schmitz Park and I certainly don’t want some homeless person to come wandering in my yard. I also don’t want my house burned down by some homeless dude’s fire!

bgh October 28, 2008 (7:21 pm)

JH, we are on the same page.

JH October 28, 2008 (9:45 pm)

BGH, are you my neighbor??!!!

bgh October 28, 2008 (11:25 pm)

No. What you said I agree with. Although I do walk through Schmitz Park with my dog every once and awhile. There are some homless people and families that truly need help but camping on public land is not the way to go.

Sorry, comment time is over.