(Texted photo)

2:19 PM: Thanks for the tips and photos. The closed/fenced-off play structure at Alki Playground has been removed. Seattle Parks had said they’d do that before the start of the school year; the educators’ strike apparently bought them some extra time. The play structure was taken out of service in early August; Parks told us afterward that a “safety inspection revealed a major structural issue with the wood decking.” At the time, they hadn’t decided what would happen once it was removed – whether it would be replaced before Alki Elementary closed next year for its rebuild – so we have an inquiry out to see if that decision’s been made yet, and will update when we hear back.

3:08 PM: Parks spokesperson Karen O’Connor says, “We are coordinating with Seattle Public Schools for the play area to be renovated and the structures replaced during the school rebuild between 2023-2025. We will not be replacing the play structures that are being removed before the new school is rebuilt. Some of the play equipment will remain and is not being removed.”