Information from Alki Community Council

A fresh chapter for Alki Beach begins this Wednesday as new custom designed neighborhood flags are installed along the waterfront corridor, signaling renewed care, pride, and stewardship of Seattle’s birthplace.

Installation started Tuesday, January 14, through Wednesday, January 15, with flags mounted on every other light pole from 55th Avenue SW through 62nd Avenue SW—often referred to as Alki’s “business district” of restaurants along Alki Beach Park.

“New year, new look felt like the right moment for Alki,” said Charlotte Starck, President of the Alki Community Council. “This project goes beyond aesthetics. It’s about restoring vitality, signaling care, and reminding residents and visitors alike that Alki Beach is a place worth protecting and nurturing.”

The Flag Pole Project was created with a clear objective: to build on recent rust repairs to long-neglected light posts by adding visible warmth, identity, and neighborhood pride to the corridor—particularly during the darker winter months when foot traffic drops and local businesses feel the impact most.

Shaped and led by volunteers through the Alki Community Council, in collaboration with local small businesses like West Seattle Arcade owners, Matt and Elyssa Cichy, the fresh look is a welcome sight."We’ve called West Seattle home for nearly 16 years, raising our family and building our businesses here. Creating fun, inclusive community spaces matters to us, which is why we were glad to help bring these beautiful flags to Alki Beach.”

Design services for the project were generously donated in-kind by Noah Tannen and the team at Seattle marketing and design firm, Rupert. "We love Seattle and love Alki especially, so we were eager to jump in and help Alki express it’s unique identity and beachfront vibe. It was a great project and a lot of fun for the team. We’re looking forward to visiting the flags and hit the beach again!”

The flag designs reflect the Olympic Mountains, Orca whales, Washington State Ferries, and Alki Beach itself. Hidden wildlife “easter eggs” invite pedestrians to slow down, look closer, and engage with the corridor in a playful way.

This beautification project was made possible through funding from the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods. The neighborhood flags are expected to provide year-round vibrancy for several years and support walkability as Alki prepares for global visitors ahead of Seattle’s first FIFA World Cup games.

About Alki Community Council

The Alki Community Council is a neighborhood-based, volunteer-run, nonprofit focused on making Alki safer, more connected, and more welcoming. Powered entirely by community donations and volunteer effort, the Council has worked alongside neighbors, small businesses, and the City since 1985 to strengthen community pride, safety, and stewardship in the birthplace of Seattle.