County council votes to take dangerous park out of Seattle’s hands

City Hall Park, next to the courthouse in downtown Seattle, has had multiple reports of crime.

King County Courthouse adjacent to City Hall Park (courtesy of City of Seattle)

King County Courthouse adjacent to City Hall Park (courtesy of City of Seattle)

The King County Council on Oct. 19 approved legislation that would seek options for King County to acquire City Hall Park from the City of Seattle and explore future plans and uses of the park, which is adjacent to the King County Courthouse, the seat of county government. The legislation, sponsored by Councilmembers Jeanne Kohl-Welles and Reagan Dunn, was approved by a vote of 7-2.

​​Approval of the motion comes just over two months after efforts began to relocate and provide services to people who had been living in an encampment in the park. After it was vacated, the City of Seattle closed the park for renovations. Kohl-Welles drafted the legislation in response to concerns raised about the safety and sanitary conditions in the park and surrounding area.

“Through having Executive Constantine explore future uses for the park, I am optimistic that the King County civic campus, including the park, will be more accessible, welcoming, and safe for Courthouse employees, jurors, and others seeking access to justice and county services,” said Kohl-Welles. “Further, the many challenges faced by our unhoused neighbors will be better served. I appreciate collaborating with my Council colleagues and the Executive and look forward to continuing this work together.”

While the legislation specifically asks the Executive to explore the park’s use as part of a larger civic campus and outline a plan to provide support and relocation for any future encampments that might crop up on the site, other possibilities for the future of the site may also be included in the Executive’s report.

“I’m eager to see a long-term solution implemented to prevent a re-occurrence of the violence and crime that prevented our employees from coming to work and the general public from accessing government services,” Dunn said “And am cautiously optimistic that it will happen.”

A report is requested from the Executive by January 15, 2022.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

Washington State Capitol Building in Olympia. File photo
Schools, housing, salaries score big in Senate Dems $70B budget

The proposed spending plan also spends money to fight climate change, help abortion providers and study police pursuits

t
SeaTac girl pleads guilty to hit-and-run murder of Maple Valley man

Judge sentences the 17-year-old to remain in custody until she turns 21; maximum allowed by law

File photo.
Audit finds accountability issues in King County’s equity and social justices programs

Auditors say the county lacks progress tracking, clearly defined roles and accountability measures.

t
Northwest Kidney Centers opening Panther Lake location in Kent

Open house set for 2-4 p.m. Thursday, March 30

Courtesy Photo, Metro Creative Graphics
Kent man faces murder charge in 2022 Auburn case of man found shot

The two men apparently were friends; man found inside vehicle

State Capitol Building in Olympia, WA. File photo
New forecast show state revenues won’t be quite as robust as expected

Democratic budget writers say they will be cautious but able to fund their priorities. Senate put out a capital budget Monday.

Elements of the city’s interactive space-themed park being lowered in. (Screenshot from Kent Youtube page)
Aerospace industry among Kent’s top economic boosters

Mayor said the Kent Valley is home to about 250,000 jobs.

Aerial view of Clark Lake and surrounding natural area. (Screenshot from City of Kent Youtube page)
Kent’s parks undergo renovations and reimagination

Mayor Dana Ralph outlines recent and future projects.

Most Read