KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Seattle Parks and Recreation has reopened a stretch of Alki beach reaching approximately from 49th Avenue SW to 61st Avenue SW, which was temporarily closed Thursday on the advice of Public Health – Seattle & King County because hypodermic needles were washing ashore from an unknown source.

Parks staff surveyed the beach until 9 p.m. yesterday and walked the beach today starting at 6 a.m. They found no additional needles today, and as of today’s 6 p.m. high tide, Parks has reopened the beach for public use. The three-day Alki Music Fest, scheduled to begin today at 5 p.m., will kick off only slightly late.

Park visitors Thursday afternoon noticed the capped and unopened needles washing ashore, and called 9-1-1. Seattle police and fire units responded. Because the needles clearly presented a safety and health hazard, Parks and Public Health – Seattle & King County posted signs advising people to stay out of the water and away from the sand near the water.

If park visitors find a needle, they are advised to leave it alone and contact a Parks staff person at the beach, or to call 206-423-0526.

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