Tensions were high Wednesday morning in Seattle’s Denny Park, as Seattle police officers stepped in to assist the city in clearing the area of campers.
Seattle Parks and Recreation Department staff are clearing debris from the park, storing any belongings and disposing of garbage.
According to a release from the mayor’s office, the city had been taking an outreach approach at the park the last few months, offering services and shelters to the people living in the encampment. But so far, only two people accepted.
However, since November, there have been more than 60 calls to 911 or Health One related to the park. The emergencies included arsons, domestic violence, assaults and sex offenses.
Some campers reacted harshly to their removal, but others were peaceful as they left.
Onlookers KIRO 7 spoke with said the city needs a better solution to the sweeps.
Denny Park will be closed for several months while “staff work to restore the park,” the mayor’s office said.
Cox Media Group
