SEATTLE — Detectives are working to learn more about what led up to two men being shot and injured Monday night at Seattle's Stan Sayres Memorial Park.
Police say both men were shot in the leg and were treated at area hospitals. No arrests have been made.
People living near the park say it highlights some of the safety concerns and noise complaints that have been intensifying over the last few years.
"I live very close so for me. It is a break to relax,” said Irina Oclaire, who normally visits the park during the day.
"After eight (at night) you never know who is here and what they are up to,” Oclaire added.
Other neighbors say they have heard loud parties during the daytime hours, too.
Seattle police data shows that near Stan Sayres Park, violent crime calls totaled 11 in 2022, and 13 in 2023. As of the end of May, there were six reports so far in 2024.
At the park, people said it’s not just about public safety. There have been noise complaints.
A group of neighbors have been documenting it with a video diary, highlighting last year's loud, late evenings with music being played in the middle of the night. Cars engines revving and fireworks going off contribute to the noise violations, according to neighbors. They have also taken pictures of the messes left behind in the morning, sending the evidence to city leaders.
They say they want Seattle Parks and Recreation to enforce park hours.
Stan Sayres Memorial Park opens at 6 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m. The gate is supposed to be locked at 10 p.m., but neighbors say that is not happening.
KING 5 reached out to Seattle Parks and Recreations, and received the following statement:
The park has early closure efforts in effect, the current hours are 6am-10pm. These shortened hours have been in effect since last September. SPR implemented these shortened hours at the urging of neighbors and SPD. We will follow up on any inconsistencies related to the gate closure.
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