Written by FODB Team
One of the commonly cited reasons people appreciate clothing-optional outdoor spaces is the ability to reconnect with nature. To be able to feel the sun, water, and sand over your entire body and to exist in a way that feels entirely natural is a liberating and affirming experience, reminding us that we exist not simply as participants in modern society, but also as human beings who are, at the most basic level, members of our local ecosystem and products of the earth.
This connection to nature that clothing-optional outdoor experiences can provide is a blessing, but it is also a responsibility, as, for the sake of the environment, as well as those who share these experiences with us, we must all steward the land by reducing the impact of our use of these spaces, primarily by being mindful of what we introduce into the environment around us and ensuring that we leave our environment cleaner and healthier than when we arrived.
At Denny Blaine Park, there are limited infrastructure options to assist parkgoers in living up to this ethos of “Leave No Trace”, so we encourage parkgoers to pay special attention to their use of the park to ensure it is left better than it is found.
Help keep Denny Blaine Park a clean, beautiful, and healthy environment for everyone by following these tips:
- Pick Up Your Butts
Cigarette butts are the single most common form of litter worldwide and are extremely harmful to the environment, containing non-biodegradable materials that last for decades, leaching toxic chemicals into the soil and water, and endangering wildlife, especially insects and marine life. Do your part to protect our park by picking up your cigarette butts and disposing of them in the appropriate containers, located at the North entrance of the park before re-entering, or the lower level trash cans adjacent to the stairs. Please note: Smoking is not allowed at Denny Blaine Park, but parkgoers are free to smoke in the SDOT public right of way located on the sidewalk and parkway area.
- Pack Out Your Trash
Denny Blaine Park is in an urban environment, but has fewer public trash and recycling cans than it should given how popular of a park it is. One of the best ways you can help the park stay serene is by taking your picnic containers, cans, lotion bottles, and other refuse with you when you leave, and disposing of your personal trash in your personal trash cans. This small act of stewardship can save can space for others and prevent overflow. If you would like to see more capacity for trash disposal at Denny Blaine Park, please provide feedback to parks to let them know what infrastructure is needed to maximize public enjoyment of the space.
- Take Your Clothes With You!
Sometimes when we take it all off, we can forget what we had on. It is easy to forget jewelry, accessories, underwear, or jackets at the beach, harming both our wardrobes, and the enjoyment of others at the park. When you arrive, store your clothes neatly in a bag or pile to maximize usable space and keep the pathways clear, and when you leave, make sure all your belongings are accounted for so that nothing gets left behind. If you find someone’s belongings – or find yourself missing yours, please contact Seattle Parks and Recreation Lost and Found to make sure items return to their owners.
- Use the Bathroom
We may all be products of nature, but please, for the health, safety, and comfort of those around you and of the environment, use the dedicated bathroom facility located at the north end of the park near the entrance. Help keep this space clean by reporting messes to the number on the inside of the facility – and don’t forget to wash your hands!
- Skip The Glitter and Confetti
Most things you can take with you, but some things you can never get back once they’re put into the environment. As festive as glitter and confetti are, small materials like this are impossible to take with you and will create a micro-litter issue that will last for years, as most of these materials are non-biodegradable. If you absolutely *must* scatter something in celebration, consider the use of bubble wands or blowers, which ensure a litter-free environment for everyone.
- Leave It Better Than You Found It
Part of being a good steward is acknowledging that not everyone is going to be, and committing to pitching in more than your share to ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone. If you love Denny Blaine Park and want to keep it looking great, pick up trash and items left behind by others, and help educate others about the importance of “Leave No Trace” principles, including those limiting campfires – which are not permitted in Seattle Parks or on non-designated beaches.
Feeling empowered to protect our environment? Click here for an intro to our ecology efforts and to learn how you can help!
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