Seattle Orders Removal of Gas Works Park Ladders and Catwalks

Safety concerns prompt city to take action on iconic Cracking Towers

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:48pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring multiple repeating images of the distinctive Gas Works Park tower structure, rendered in a vibrant neon color palette with heavy black outlines, conceptually representing the park's iconic landmark status and the city's efforts to address safety concerns.The iconic Gas Works Park towers, once a canvas for urban exploration, now face a mandate to remove their ladders and catwalks in the name of public safety.Seattle Today

The city of Seattle has issued a hazard correction order requiring the removal of ladders, catwalks, and stairways from the iconic Cracking Towers at Gas Works Park. The move comes after years of trespassing, falls, and multiple deaths and severe injuries on the historic structures. Seattle Parks and Recreation must complete the work by May 15 or face fines, though the park's landmark status could delay the changes.

Why it matters

Gas Works Park is a beloved Seattle landmark, but the city has struggled to address ongoing safety issues with the Cracking Towers. This order aims to reduce trespassing and climbing-related incidents, while preserving the overall appearance of the historic site. The decision highlights the challenge of balancing public access and safety at iconic urban parks.

The details

The Department of Construction and Inspections issued the hazard correction order, citing unsafe conditions on the towers' walkways, ladders, and piping that have repeatedly been scaled by trespassers. There have been a total of three deaths and 22 severe injuries from falls at Gas Works Park, the most recent fatality being a 15-year-old in July 2025. Seattle Parks and Recreation must now obtain permits and remove the "dangerous structures" outlined in a recent engineering report, including most ladders, catwalks, and stairways surrounding the towers.

  • The hazard correction order was issued in April 2026.
  • Seattle Parks and Recreation has a deadline of May 15, 2026 to complete the removal work or face fines of $500 per day.
  • Previous attempts to make changes have been delayed due to the park's landmark status, requiring approval from the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board.

The players

Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections

The city agency that issued the hazard correction order to remove the ladders and catwalks from the Gas Works Park Cracking Towers due to safety concerns.

Seattle Parks and Recreation

The city department responsible for maintaining Gas Works Park and tasked with completing the removal of the dangerous structures by the May 15 deadline.

Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board

The city board that must approve changes to the landmark Gas Works Park, which has delayed previous attempts to address safety issues on the Cracking Towers.

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What’s next

Seattle Parks and Recreation must obtain the necessary permits and complete the removal of ladders, catwalks, and stairways from the Cracking Towers at Gas Works Park by the May 15 deadline. The landmark status of the park could potentially delay the changes, requiring additional approval from the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board.

The takeaway

This order highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing public access and safety at iconic urban parks like Gas Works. While the city aims to preserve the historic site, the repeated trespassing and climbing-related incidents have led to a decision to remove key structures, potentially altering the appearance of this beloved Seattle landmark.