Neighborhood flags going up at Alki

(photo by Charlotte Starck)

New flags are being installed today on light poles along a portion of the Alki Beach sidewalk/path as an eye-catching part of a beautification effort by Alki Community Council. They’re expected to stay up through the World Cup this summer and beyond.

When the install is complete, there will be 16 colorful flags total, on every other light pole between 54th and 63rd Avenue SW. There are two flag designs, with graphics of the Olympics, Orca whales, and ferries, all nestled along Alki Beach. Design work was donated by Rupert, a marketing and design firm.

Alki Community Council started work on planning the flags following a request they made for maintenance by City Light on the light poles, which had become rusty. After those were spruced up, volunteer members of the non-profit council got to work on securing funding, and planning to make and install the flags. A Seattle Department of Neighborhoods grant helped fund the effort.

There have been flags installed on the light poles in the past, with one of the last during Seafair in 2009. Community Council President Charlotte Starck says that makes it high time for these improvements. “This project goes beyond aesthetics. It’s about restoring vitality, signaling care, and reminding residents and visitors alike that Alki Beach is a place worth protecting and nurturing.” The flags are designed to stay up for several years.

Susan Benyak January 14, 2026 (3:28 pm)

Perhaps the city could RE-PAINT the walking and biking paths along the water.It isn’t fair to be annoyed at people sauntering along in the bike lane if they don’t actually KNOW that is what it is.walking/running and Wheels……it’s not that hard…..Just do it. Please.

E January 14, 2026 (8:18 pm)

Didn’t they change that 8-10 years ago? They stopped painting what was the bike lane back then when they added the bike lane on Alki Ave? I think the blog has had a few articles? Was it because there are so many more people than bikes (sidewalk isn’t sufficient)?
B January 15, 2026 (6:36 am)

Around 8-10 years ago, I believe the pathways were designated open for all (too many people). The street bike symbols are the only ones I’ve seen repainted for quite some years.

Alki M3 January 14, 2026 (5:42 pm)

How terrific! Thanks to the ACC! They look great!!!

Derek January 15, 2026 (12:30 am)

Do you need permission from the city for these on their posts? How do you get that?

WSB January 15, 2026 (12:54 am)

Yes, as mentioned in the story, they worked with City Light for starters, and also obtained a Neighborhoods grant.
- ltmmgm January 15, 2026 (7:10 am)
  
  These flags are wonderful, can I purchase one of them? Born and raised in Seattle (70yo) I love Alki, Orcas, Olympics and the WA State Ferries, especially the Ferries, they remind me of my Dad and our weekend camping/fishing trips to Sequim/PA area.

North Admiral Cyclist January 15, 2026 (5:35 am)

Literally the day before these banner flags went up, we were just looking at the banner supports on the light poles and thinking there should be a banner to direct Alki visitors to the Log Museum. We’d seen the poles get cleaned up and painted last year and they now look great with the new banners. Thanks to then Alki Community Council.

K.S. January 15, 2026 (2:56 pm)

Yes, the banners are back! The new ones are cool. I like the colors and message of them. Brings up nostalgia. Remember these from back in the day? Miss them because they were lovely and brought awareness to visitors to share the shore.