FOLLOWUP: Alki Beach Park back to regular hours

While the days are getting shorter, at Alki, they’ve also just gotten longer. Tonight is the first night that Alki Beach Park‘s closing time is back to 11:30 pm, after two months of closing at 10 pm. The early closing time was ordered in early July – first as a holiday-weekend experiment, then as a two-month trial run – days after the shooting that killed 22-year-old Tilorae Shepherd. We confirmed with Seattle Parks this afternoon that there had been no last-minute decision to extend the early closing time. One note: Though the beach is open later now, the fire pits are supposed to be closed for the season as of tonight.

Alki resident September 13, 2021 (8:53 pm)

Any update on the new restrooms? Still fenced.

Karen September 14, 2021 (6:18 am)

Why?? No good to come out of extended park hours. Stats proved earlier closing of park reduced crime in the area. Another terrible decision.

Rhonda September 14, 2021 (1:06 pm)

The amount of illegal late-night activity at Alki drops proportionate to the ambient air temperature and precipitation. From mid-September through April there aren’t anywhere near the throngs of young adults hanging around there after 8pm as in July. Just a small handful here and there, and none when it’s 45 degrees and raining sideways.

Runner September 14, 2021 (7:38 am)

Karen, I totally agree!

Jay September 14, 2021 (9:42 am)

Finally! And in regards to the fire pit closure, if you have a portable propane fire pit you can use it any time you like. (This has been confirmed by the firefighters who have been called on us multiple times during the pandemic after the fire pits were removed.) I highly recommend these fire pits, especially these days when burn bans cover much of the year. We were out in the heavy snow last year drinking beers on the beach next to the fire, it was really nice.

Anni Lanigan September 14, 2021 (6:45 pm)

Does the Parks Department have an explanation for returning the park to closing at 11:30PM? Does it save money? Does it give something positive back to the community?I realize that not all the late-night visitors during fall, winter, and spring aren’t wanting to act stupidly, unfortunately though, those that do want to get drunk, or….., play loud music,etc., don’t typically make the best decisions. That means unsafe driving, trash left behind, and keeping awake the many (200-ish) residents who live directly across the street. Hopefully, Lisa Herbold and Seattle Parks Dept can send a representative to the Alki Community Council meeting this Thursday at 7:00PM to explain and hear feedback. See WSB for how to join the meeting.

Runner September 15, 2021 (7:45 am)

I’m pretty sure there are multiple signs on the beach and near it that say no alcohol. Why is this posted if it’s ignored. It’s hard to bring a family to the beach when many folks around are just getting drunk.

Sorry, comment time is over.