Seattle sets summer curfew at 2 popular parks

Along with opening designated fire pits at parks for the summer season, Seattle will be closing down two of its most popular parks earlier than usual.

Seattle will set a curfew for its Golden Gardens and Alki Beach parks over the summer of 2023. The parks will be open between 4 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. from May 29 through Sept. 4.

This is not the first time that Seattle has cut the park hours short. It had the same schedule last year.

According to Seattle's Parks and Recreation Department, city staff and police officers will close the parks down each night at 10 p.m. In a statement, Parks and Rec said:

"The shortened hours will assist in addressing dangerous and/or illegal behavior typical of summer evening uses at these two parks in response to public input and nearby community complaints."

The department says the move is part of a pilot program for the parks. Technically, the 10 p.m. closure is the second phase of the pilot, which ultimately seeks to determine the "best operating hours for the public," according to Parks and Rec.

The department's Board is reviewing public comments and other data as it moves forward. Online public comment can be submitted here.

After Sept. 5, Seattle will keep the parks open until 11:30 p.m.