Q: Will homeless people camping in Seattle parks get preference over people with reservations?
A: No, not if an area is reserved.
But they will be able to stay if a park is not reserved, and most park users do not make reservations. Fire pits cannot be reserved, for example.
On September 6, the Seattle City Council discussed an ordinance that would limit the city’s ability to clear homeless camps. If passed, homeless camping on public land could stay there for weeks where now they could be cleared after three days.
That raised question from the public: What about homeless people in city parks? Will they be able to stay over people with reservations?
Yes, they can stay in city parks if you don’t have a reservation.
If you have a reservation and people are using the space, you can call Seattle police to have them removed -- homeless or not -- according to the parks department.
However, if there is no threat it could take hours for police to respond depending on call volume. Calls are ranked by priority, and that would be a lower priority call.
There are 26 Seattle parks available for picnic reservation, ranging from no charge to $260 for shelter areas. That doesn't include additional $20 table fees that may be required depending on party size and other fees. (See page 4 of this PDF.)
The rentals are commons for weddings and other get-togethers.
Currently when people illegally camp in parks the parks department posts a sign saying camping is illegal and the site must be vacated within 72 hours.
The Department of Human Resources contracts with an agency that sends in outreach staff to offer the campers information on available resources for shelter, food, etc., according to the parks department.
After 72 hours, the parks department can schedule a removal time with Seattle police. In most cases, people are not moved immediately after the 72-hour limit, which starts after the notification is posted.
Follow this link to read questions and answers about Seattle parks reservations.
Cox Media Group
