New summer hours to start at Golden Gardens, Alki Beach Memorial Day weekend

SEATTLE — Seattle will soon enforce a 10:30 p.m. curfew at two popular beaches to help curb crime this summer, starting May 26.

The city of Seattle, on its website, said the new hours in this pilot program will help address "dangerous" and "illegal" behavior that is "typical" during the summer at Alki in West Seattle and Golden Gardens in Ballard. KOMO News reported on a TikTok party gone wrong at Alki two years ago and a summer 2021 drive-by shooting near Golden Gardens.

“Police presence isn’t as big as it could be. They do the best they can, but it just doesn’t seem like they can control the crowds on the weekends,” Annie Wagar of West Seattle stated.

The curfew is a relief for Wagar, who claims she saw the scene of the deadly weekend shooting just a block from the beach.

“We walked through here and felt like we need to get home, stay home, and end the evening early because it just felt like it wasn’t our neighborhood,” she explained.

RELATED: Deadly shooting near Alki Beach causes concern in West Seattle neighborhood

In Ballard, a group of UW students said it’s grateful for any steps to improve safety at their favorite beaches.

“Hopefully, everyone listens to it. I know some people will probably try and stay out,” stated Kristina Kaminski at Golden Gardens.

“Our goal is just to be able to come down here, feel safe, have a good time, relax,” Wagar added.

The Seattle Parks and Rec Code of Conduct states people caught on the beach after curfew could be arrested and face prosecution for criminal trespass. Beach closing will return to 11:30 p.m. after Sept. 4.

The change in hours is part of a second phase of a pilot project to determine the best operating hours for the parks, according to the Parks and Recreation Department. Throughout the summer, the department will collect public input through a questionnaire, which will be reviewed by the department's board at the end of the summer season.