Denny Blaine Park’s nude beach: Judge rules toplessness can continue

Key Points:

• King County Superior Court Judge Samuel Chung ruled that toplessness is allowed at Denny Blaine Park, including in areas designated as "clothing required," affirming that parkgoers are not required to cover their torsos regardless of sex or gender identity.
• The ruling follows a motion by Friends of Denny Blaine, a local advocacy group, responding to complaints that private security guards hired by a nearby homeowner were unfairly targeting and reporting topless individuals, primarily women and those perceived as female.
• The city has been ordered to implement an abatement plan to eliminate illegal activities such as public masturbation and sex acts, which includes increased staffing, signage, and fencing, and designated a "clothing required" section in the park.
• Seattle police and Parks and Recreation rangers have consistently declined to cite topless parkgoers, and the city clarified it does not interpret its rules as requiring torso coverage in the "clothing required" areas.
• A lawsuit filed by Denny Blaine Park for All accuses the city of mismanaging the park due to ongoing safety risks and illegal activity; a trial is tentatively scheduled for later this month.