City crew clears former campsite at Rotary Viewpoint Park

A texter noticed city crews working today in an area of Rotary Viewpoint Park (35th SW east of SW Alaska) where there’s been camping for some weeks. We went there and found a Seattle Parks crew cleaning up what they confirmed were the remnants of a campsite. We then asked Will Lemke, spokesperson for the city’s Homelessness Response, about it. His reply:

The Navigation Team did remove an encampment in the area you referenced. There was a woman living unsheltered there and the team has been engaging her for over a month to try and connect her to shelter and/or services. Parks crews were there to restore the site and work on the tree that was damaged. The team’s outreach workers, System Navigators, are following up to see what can be done to connect her to shelter now that she has moved elsewhere.

According to a recent city report, 135 “unmanaged campsites” were cleared around the city in the second quarter of this year.

norskgirl August 15, 2019 (6:10 pm)

I haven’t been by the south entrance to Schmitz Park lately. I wonder if the tents parked just inside on the south slope are still there?

Bob August 15, 2019 (7:22 pm)

I dont believe that is the same one at the very northwest area of Camp Long

Pelicans August 15, 2019 (7:26 pm)

The dangers to an unhoused woman can be greater than to others. The city must ask why she is refusing housing and address that, along with mental health issues, if necessary. I am totally for Navigation crew-accompanied sweeps, but please try to keep this woman safe, even if it’s just in a new location.

sgs August 15, 2019 (8:03 pm)

Glad to see the response – both for the location and for the care for the person. Wonder if campers have returned to the wetland near the South Transfer Station. It was cleared before, but last time I drove by, there was garbage and camping equipment again.

KK August 15, 2019 (9:39 pm)

Yes the campers have returned to the wetlands near the entrance to 509. Unfortunately. I was seriously disappointed to discover this a few days ago.
- Marianne August 15, 2019 (9:56 pm)
  
  They were back within days. They are also beginning to set up camps in the woods off Myers Way again.

Mj August 16, 2019 (7:07 am)

Enough already. Whatever happened to the camper edict you pack it in you pack it out. I have seen a number of city campers who keep their sites tidy and respectful. Littering is against the law, enforce it.

Sheckley August 16, 2019 (7:23 am)

And don’t forget the large tented encampments under the 1st Ave Bridge and on the nearby wetlands islands. It’s like a mad max fortress over there.

Alkimark August 16, 2019 (12:44 pm)

Enough already camping is illegal in most parks tell.them to leave if they refuse arrest them.

Jason August 17, 2019 (11:26 am)

I agree, we need to put her into a mental health/rehabilitation hospital where she’ll be safe or give her the option of jail if she refuses. We shouldn’t let her endanger her life and safety and the safety of others by sleeping out in public, it’s inhumane and morally wrong.

Sorry, comment time is over.