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Seattle proposes new safety measures at Gas Works Park
Seattle officials are weighing options of the future of some parts of the city's iconic Gas Works Park.
SEATTLE - The City of Seattle has proposed a plan that could remove catwalks, piping and railing to improve safety at Gas Works Park, following multiple injuries and deaths from falls off the structure.
Seattle Parks and Recreation seeks to remove all potential climbable parts from the historic "Cracking Towers" in Wallingford.
What they're saying:
The proposal includes dismantling all ladders, catwalks, and stairways, aiming to reduce the number of trespassers while minimizing climbing-related injuries.
Deconstruction perspective renderings of Gas Works Park.
Since 2008, the towers have been the site of at least 25 trespassing incidents involving falls. These incidents resulted in three confirmed fatalities and 22 severe injuries, including the death of 15-year-old Mattheis Johnson, who fell 50 feet from a platform following a concert in July 2025.
Experts say the various "No Trespassing" signs and existing fence surrounding the structure don't do enough to deter people from climbing it. Because of this, one elevated pipe extending beyond the fence could be slated for removal.
Engineers also noted some elements of the Cracking Towers are damaged beyond repair due to extreme corrosion.
The project would remove all climbable structures but aims to maintain the industrial aesthetic of the park, keeping the larger main towers and piping.
Post-deconstruction perspective renderings of Gas Works Park (Seattle Parks and Recreation)
What's next:
The plan was initially pitched back in October 2025 but later rejected, with officials considering other options like adding security cameras and improving lighting. However, the plan was updated in early January.
Whether the plan will be acted upon is up to the City of Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board.
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Proposed safety changes at Seattle's Gasworks Park
Gasworks Park is an iconic Seattle spot and Parks and Recreation are working to make some changes to make it safer.
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The Source: Information in this story came from Seattle Parks and Recreation and previous FOX 13 Seattle reporting.