Such a beautiful beach and a great spot to gather with friends to have a picnic or bbq! There was plenty of onsite parking, although on busy weekends it can be kind of hard to come by! Portapottys available and tables and areas to bbq also available! Saw people set up volleyball nets for some beach volleyball games. That looked fun! Water was a bit rough for my toddler but he enjoyed playing in the sand and dipping his feet. read more

Golden Gardens made this Florida girl feel at home in Seattle! I loved sitting on a bench by the water and watching the boats go by. If I lived here, I'd walk or run the path here constantly. read more

Golden Gardens Park - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Such a beautiful spot with a beach area and walking trails. Lots of parking too but I am sure it fills up quickly in the summer months. read more

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We made a quick stop at the Golden Gardens park after picking up my Artful Ashes Memorials. The lady told us that the spot that they spread the remaining ashes from the memorials was at the Northern most part of the park, there is a beach that is sunset facing a green buoy that they use as a land mark where you can see where your loved ones will lie. Being here from out of state I wanted to see the place where their ashes would be spread and thought it would be a pretty cool photo of the orbs I had just picked up. Not only was it beautiful but it was peaceful. The park offers grassy areas, trails, benches, picnic areas. It is a large park however we only checked out a small area. Im glad to have had the opportunity to see this and take the photos with the orbs. read more

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I have been to Seattle about 4 times and on this visit my cousins took us here. I have to say that it is a very awesome park to go to. It is called a park but in all honestly it is more like a beach to me. Lots of people in their bathing suits laying out, walking their dogs, doing a nice stroll, etc. Some areas are a bit rocky so shoes are recommended. You'll see lots of dead crabs but also able to see a lot of small baby crabs hiding out under the rocks and other sea creatures when its low tide. It was so cool to see and explore. Definitely recommend checking out this place if you live or if you are visiting Seattle. Just make sure to pack the sunblock and apply esp. when the sun is out. The view is beautiful and super relaxing! I definitely recommend coming here to spend some time with nature. Tips: *Free parking (but can get pretty busy on a nice sunny day) *Restroom available. *Small little cafe nearby *A little playground area for the kiddos. *Pet friendly *Volleyball net set up. *Firepits are available. read more

I love the smell of the sea in the morning. There's nothing else like it. And me, being a Navy man, could ever get tired of the peace that comes with casting all my worries aside and pretending like I have clean slate. It's a new day, and what a glorious place to start. I usually pick the bench under the leafy locust trees towards the north shore. Half an hour goes by like its another life. No arguing, no bickering, no fighting over who is right or wrong about anything, no concerns about wars of famines or anything else. Sticking my head in the sand, you might say. No, no. As I said just a moment ago, I cast all the cares and concerns of this world. I'm just one blip on the radar compared to eternity and it is nice to have this kind of serenity. And now I am 90 sober, so my outtings to Golden Gardens are that much more treasured. You should try it, too. If you should happen by early in the morning and see the large gentlemen in running shorts and a T-shirt, and white socks, that's me. Stop, and let's chat a while. I won't judge you in any way, man or woman, young or old. Let's just share this kind of ineffable peace for a while. You just might make a new friend. read more

Hands down one of the Mrs parks in the Seattle area and our favorite beach. We've been here dozens of times and there's always plenty of parking the view changes with the tides and there's a little bit of everything for everyone. There's a few spots to grab food and coffee nearby as well and we are lucky enough to be able to walk here pretty often and the neighborhood surrounding are beautiful read more

The parking area is a easy short walk to the beach. Clean, family friendly and overall just a wonderful beach-picnic-children's play area to catch the days sunrise or sunset. read more

Golden Gardens Park - Alice and I catching the days sunset. - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Golden Gardens is a beautiful place, but the people tend to ruin it. Earlier today, I was lying peacefully under a tree when someone came over and started setting up a hammock for herself and her boyfriend--right next to me, practically over my head. The parking lot feels chaotic, with people mostly looking out for themselves. Over by the volley ball and picnic area, people play music loudly. I tend to go around the corner away from the volleyball nets for a calmer experience. People also tend to bring their dogs here, and it's mostly harmless save for a few owners that don't stop their dogs from peeing on the sand. If you're not easily annoyed by passive aggressive moves or people invading your space, it's a great place to enjoy a beach day. read more

Golden Gardens Park - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

There's so much to do here. There's a sandy area with volleyball nets, and some trees to hang a hammock to relax. There are also firepits and a covered area to set up a picnic if it gets rainy. A small cafe is nearby with showers and bathrooms. Then, there is a rocky beach area that has sea anemones and other tidepool animals that is exposed during low tide. You might have to fend off some hungry birds though! There's a small footbridge with a wetland area that is a favorite of ducks, and then an open grassy field for more recreation. It's an excellent area for outdoor recreation. Nearby is the Eddie Vine Boat Ramp with a small pier to get a better view of the water and observe the ocean. read more

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Beautiful park with a sandy beach, one of very few in Seattle. Next door to the marina, this is a great place to take a walk, watch the sunset and be with friends. Firepits are allowed to be used. Beach volleyball set-ups. Free parking. Boat launch. read more

Golden Gardens Park is a woodsy beach park that should really be two parks, the East section and the West section. The West section is made up of a play area and quite a bit of sandy beach. It was extremely busy and contained the Golden Gardens Wetlands, which was a gorgeous little spot with quite a few ducks and the Golden Gardens Bathhouse which is where you can buy refreshments and use the restroom. The East section can be visited by walking through the tunnel off Golden Gardens Park Road. From there you walk over to Golden Gardens Drive and climb up the steps, which follow a waterfall that snakes its way up the stairs, in one spot crossing the path you walk over. I've never seen steps up a path that follow a waterfall before and it was incredibly beautiful. Once you reach the top of the steps there's a dog park and some additional woods but it's fairly nondescript other than the fact there's a restroom. It could definitely use a bit more culture and color like the West side of the park has, but it did have one odd little (dog?) sculpture that has seen better days. The West section is more sandy and the East section is more woodsy, but I really appreciate parks like this that straddle several different types of outdoors, so you get waterfront as well as trees and urban buildings. Overall I enjoyed Golden Gardens Park and it's certainly a nice little hike to the top. read more

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Golden Gardens: Where Seattle Pretends It's California in the summer...but in the winter it's my favorite getaway. Golden Gardens is where Ballard bros, off-leash golden retrievers, and existentially weary Seattleites converge to watch the sun sink into the Sound like it's got somewhere better to be. The parking lot is a gladiator arena--only the strong (or Prius-driving passive-aggressives) survive. Bonfire pits? Full by 2 p.m., claimed by a single rogue camping chair. The sand is that perfect mix of scenic and mildly concerning, thanks to the occasional forgotten sock. But damn, the view. When the Olympics glow pink and the waves catch fire in the sunset, even the loudest Bluetooth speaker can't ruin the moment. It's chaotic, it's weird, and it's peak Seattle. Wouldn't have it any other way. read more

Golden Gardens Park - From the parking lot! - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Nice park but busy as heck!! Come early.. bring your patience and kindness. Be human and understanding read more

Golden Gardens Park - First Summer cook out with my lotto fam - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Golden Gardens Park is a nice-looking Park with plenty of space, views and options for a family outing. Not much gardens going on and perhaps the golden part comes from sunsets that people like. There is a fair amount of parking, but still fills up quick on nicer days due to its popularity. There is beach space of course, benches to sit on and watch as people and boats go by, a playground and sort of a cove area that leads to kind of a side beach for walking. There a more rocks and brush over that way so it's a little less spacious. There are grills and benches to set up for picnics and parties. There are porta potties and a concession stand for convenience but I'm sure most folks will bring their own goods. There is a ramp nearby for bringing your boat which makes this legit boating waters and there were plenty of boats out in my latest visit. The park hits some sad degradation from people visiting it which is a shame. Signs all over but are ignored and this is just from my single (thus far visit). This includes unleashed dogs on the beach, litter, groups of people taking up and blocking the walkways for starters. Lack of park rangers may be part of it, but I could imagine it being worse, the better the day is. Still though, a nice park for a little outing and can see why it is popular. read more

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Beautiful scenery, sand and surf, not to mention a playground and picnic benches with views. This park and waterfront are a glorious summer gathering place for many of the north end families and friends. Quite busy, especially on hot, summer weekends, but venture out, too, when it's drizzly and overcast to enjoy it! read more

Golden Gardens Park - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I've been living in Seattle for a couple years and had never been to Golden Gardens but that finally changed! There is a windy road that you take to drive down to the beach. There is an upper section with less parking but if you continue driving down you'll end up at the main area. There is ample parking although on the weekend during the summer it could all be filled early and quickly. There is a grassy area for picnics that is closer to the park section. On the beach side there are some fire pits for late cold nights and bonfires. The beach is large and there's a lot of room for a lot of people which makes this a good place for large groups or gatherings. There is also a lot of space for water activities like paddle boarding and kayaking; this also means that it's a great location for watching the sunset. If you want food there's a restaurant right next to the sand called Miri's where you can grab some food. I saw a lot of pets here and I'm sure your furry friends will enjoy this park as well. This is a fun park to relax or spend an afternoon to hang out for a variety of occasions or no occasion at all. read more

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Today was my first time venturing to Golden Gardens Park and I am in love!! Who knew a sandy beach existed in the city of Seattle!? This is lovely spot that boasts beautiful Mountain Views. My heart skipped a beat exploring this place and I can't wait to return. You must check out Little Coney when visiting, I highly recommend parking a bit away from the madness (marina parking is where it's at!), and possibly build a cozy bonfire in the evening, and really make an evening of it! read more

Golden Gardens Park - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I go towards Golden Gardens Park for my daily runs. It's convenient that if I go all the way to the end of the park and back, the total distance tends to be around six miles. The beach is pretty and I like running along the water, where you can see mountains in the distance. You can see some interesting animals like heron, starfish, and seals on the way to the park. The park also has recreational sections like beach volleyball court. If you live nearby, it's an excellent place to walk around and hang out, especially during warmer weather. read more

TLDR: lovely local beach to sit, chill, and BBQ. Plenty of critters to find if you know where to look. Not the best shell-hunting grounds. Tip: Do not consume any shellfish from here. It is unsafe as deemed by WDFW due to polluted urban waters. https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/biotoxin/biotoxin.html Very crowded on warm days--good luck finding a fire pit if you don't come hours beforehand if you're looking to BBQ. If you make your own fire pit in the sand, beach personnel will come by and ask you to put it out--you can only have fires in the designated pits. Low tide is pretty neat, though very few shells are whole--most are broken to bits. Went in the morning and saw a Great Blue Heron fishing! It's not trash! Those rubber toilet plunger or tire looking things that are scattered throughout the tide line are actually moon snail egg cases! It's a combination of snail slime and millions of teeny tiny eggs that eventually dissolves and disperses. Leave them be and don't throw it away. Now you know :) If you know where to look, there are plenty of creatures lurking about. Remember to always carefully return what you find and leave it as you found it. I personally have found: Moon Snails (very rare and extremely to find), Starfish (easy to spot most times), Large and Small Crabs, Fish, Clams, Chiton, Limpets, Hermit Crabs, Snails, Octopus, Eel (or a long fish), Sculpin, Anenomes, Sea Cucumbers, Sea Sponges, and Sea Slugs. read more

We had a great afternoon at the park! The beach area was nice and they have a huge playground for kids. It was during the week and in the winter so it wasn't super crazy but there were still quite a few people around. I can see how it could be super crowded on weekends and in the summer. You can easy walk around, play in the sand, or just hang out for a few hours here. It's a nice view and there is a decent amount of parking. read more

Golden Gardens Park - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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This is a pretty beach only a few minutes drive from downtown Ballard! You could watch the sunset here and then grab drinks in Ballard nearby at Pie Bar, Little Tin Goods Apothecary, or Mox Boarding House (board game cafe) as a cute date. For taking out of town visitors, Gasworks Park and Salt & Straw are not too far from Golden Gardens as well! It's a bit colder September - April so be sure to bring a warm jacket so that you can enjoy the park. You can stroll down to the pier on the left and also walk on a trail along the beach. There are large driftwood logs to sit on as well and just enjoy the scenery. In the warmer months, you can light bonfires in designated fire pits and make s'mores! The parking lot is large, and we usually have no problem finding a spot (may need to circle for a bit) -- if it's too packed, there's a second parking lot with a tunnel to the beach. read more

Golden Gardens Park - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Very possible one of the best parks in Seattle, which is why it's packed full frequently! Right on the waterfront, you can get an amazing view of the Olympics and the Puget Sound. I ended up starting at the Shilshole Marina and walking up to the park - very nice, easy stroll on paved paths. The beach allows direct access into the water, hand launch boat ramp on site, and there are picnic areas and volleyball courts that can be reserved. Keep walking and you'll get a little bit off of the beach and into wetland and forested areas as well as a dog park area. This is a great place to get outside year round, but is very, VERY popular in the summer for a reason. read more

Golden Gardens Beach is an ideal place to relax and watch the sunset after dinner. In August 2019, our family stopped by this beach for a peaceful moment after a delicious dinner to commemorate the final night of our 2 week Pacific Northwest vacation trip. Parking in the lot can be a bit of a challenge, but if you wait patiently, free spots do emerge. The beach has lots of dogs and kids! It also provides a lovely view of Bainbridge Island across the bay. The gentle waves and sand provide a peaceful respite from the urban bustle of Seattle. From our hotel near the Space Needle, it was only a 25 minute drive by rental car on a Sunday evening. I'm really glad we stopped here to admire the view. read more

Golden Gardens Park - Golden Gardens Beach. - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Such an interesting place to visit. Yes, the beach is beautiful with this view. But the little creatures that you can find makes it amazing. Around June, tide gets lower and away from the shore. Sea animals get discovered by new eyes (children) that can learn from watching and hearing more about them. Seattle Aquarium sends people to help us learning stuff. We have found starfish, octopus, cucumbers, crabs, etc. You can also walk over the little rocks all the way to the farthest part and see what a marvelous spectacle. read more

A nice playground for the little kids. A nice and lively beach. A a busy train track on the beach... so breathtaking. read more

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Seattle's only real beach park! What's not to love. We've been here a few dozen times. Spring/ summer being the busiest. And summer nights being the craziest. Parking is full! The harbor is full! The marina is full. It's just all so full. And summer time, the sand is all black from many barbecue stations /charcoal drops! You'll get very very dirty if you're barefoot. Or your shoes will. But we've also had so many fun nights here. Played beach volley balls on Sunday night with a ton of peeps! Sunday nights are the nights they don't patrol , so I've been told. It's the busiest nights and yep! Everyone's drinking in bikinis. Definitely a college vibes Sunday night and I've been here everyday of the week. Other days/ nights were much quieter. They also have a building: boat house/ area that you can reserve for parties/ weddings. The barbecue tables get booked up way ahead. They do have a bathroom facilities but it gets very busy. Parking is free but sometimes you'll have to go all the way inside! Overall, the only beach with walk paths, sand, waves! And everything. It's like Alki but better because it's not surrounded by plethora of restaurants, cars and pot shops. Much quieter/ more beachier beach! And dogs are allowed. What's not to like? read more

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This park is absolutely beautiful - very relaxing and easy to walk! The views are amazing!

30 years living in the area, and I didn't know this sizable sandy beach park existed. For shame. Things you should know: - There are multiple parking opportunities. The first lot is modest in size. There's a set of stairs to reach the beach (down-wards) but note that it's relatively steep at 3 to 4 floors. If you have knee problems, you may not want to park here. Continue driving down the road and try the lot at the bottom which closer to the beach, or spots on the road. - The beach is fantastically large. From the south side near the pier/moorage to the north side where the shallow tide pools (I think that's what they are called) are, you should be able to find a spot to call your own. Admittedly, there are crowds to walk through, lots and lots of them. - There are bathrooms at the beach level and bathrooms at the first parking lot. - There is a small concession stand open. We visited on a Saturday, so I don't know if it's open on weekdays. - There's no obvious cooking/BBQ pits though I didn't walk the entire beach. Bring all your own supplies is best. - Even on a hot day (70's), the breeze from Puget Sound can be quite chilly and also strong. Bring extra layers if you're staying for long. And watch for sand on your food. :P We went to Golden Gardens because the day was amongst the lowest tides of the year. Supposedly, there are marine critters to be found, but my luck and my skills are mediocre at best. See photos for some amateur results. If you're there in the late afternoon, remember the tide will come in - quickly! We walked onto a sandbar that we quickly realize we need to get off asap. read more

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My favorite spot in Seattle to catch the Best Sunsets! Parking is hectic but once you find a spot you'll love to chill and watch the sky meet the water and listen to the waves. read more

Golden Gardens Park - Sunset on the beach - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Just got home from Golden Gardens and it's the best place to be when it's sunny and warm. The downside is parking can be terrible since everyone also wants to enjoy the view and beach too. There are more parking up the hill or near the marina. It's a classic beach with volley nets, grills, and nice grass areas. There are designated fire pits, I think, but I have since the patrols come riding out and telling others to put theirs out. Be mindful cause they're there! It does get chilly when the sun set, so always bring a jacket regardless the time of the year! read more

Golden Gardens Park - Very fitting name, Golden Gardens - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

There are a lot of rocks at this beach, I've hung out here twice, different spots along the beach each time and it's all pretty rocky but still a fun beach to hang at. I'd recommend some nice water shoes or flip flops to walk around. I saw a few guys trying to walk barefoot along the beach and by the time they were coming back they looked pretty hurt. Right when you enter there is a large parking lot. If you park near the entrance it's more beachy, theres a snack shack and a bathroom on the other side. The snack shack's food smelt amazing and they had a good variety of food. Further down there is a large lawn where dogs can play around and people can hang out and enjoy the sun. There is also beach access but it gets rockier on this side of the beach, we usually prefer to hang out at this end because there are less people. There are fire pits along the beach that were locked up until the afternoon when someone drives by to unlock them and let everyone know some safety tips if they are going to start a fire. The beach was fairly busy but it's not hard to find a spot, it's a large beach! We even saw a few events going on, one party had a long table set up with pillows and a dinner set, pretty cute! Another group was having a religious event where everyone was welcome. I went here with my sister, baby Oakley and my mini poodle, Bella and everyone had a really great time! Oakley got to splash by the water and collect rocks and shells. Bella swam around and enjoyed the sunshine with me and my sister. We came midday and were able to see how busy the beach is throughout the day and it's pretty constant since a lot of people come in the day time for the sunshine and at night people come for bonfires. read more

Another gem of a park - though I wouldn't want to see it on a summer weekend! This park has a little bit of everything.... rocky beach, playground, wetlands (we spotted a turtle!), concession, dog run, green space.... and even a designated hammock area!! We thoroughly enjoyed an afternoon here and we were very thankful that we had time to linger and sit around enjoying the ambience of the place. Fun fact: There is a wonderful book called "I can make this promise" by Christina Day where this park is featured. Highly recommend both of the book (based on true events) and the park! Its a bit of a hike from our house but we would definitely go back! read more

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Great views on a sunny or not sunny day!! Very broad views--you can see the mountains in true far. Sky and water are reflecting each other. Cold, windy and sunny. That's the best you can hope for Seattle winter! read more

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Golden Gardens Park has so much going for it -- trails, beach, dog park, and park! I finally visited for the first time and was impressed! I was prepared for getting a good walk but instead found myself wishing I had prepared for a swim! The water is super clear and had a decent amount of activity with dragon boats, kayaks, and more. The water is freezing though and the beach is crowded, so get here early if you want a good spot! Definitely will be back with it being in such close proximity to downtown Seattle/Ballard! read more

Golden Gardens Park - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Gorgeous park and beach close to Seattle! It seems to be extra crowded during covid, so please wear a mask. Parking is a bit tricky (and there's a lot of it!) but due to the crowds it's tough to find a spot. You mostly have to drive up and down until you can find a spot. There are a few cute places to eat around - classic beach style (hotdogs, hamburgers, Ice cream, etc.). There is a beautiful, short walk along the water. You can see the beach, sailboats on the water, the yacht yard, and the park. The only negative is 1. The crowds and 2. There is a train track right behind the beach and you hear a ton of trains passing through. read more

Golden Gardens Park - Playing on the beach - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

One of the best beaches along the Puget Sound if you're looking for a lot of nice sand, volleyball, and a good sunset. Bring spikeball or other beach activities because there is a lot of room! It has more of a California beach feel but obviously it's not Cali haha. You might have to park far, it can be really busy. Another disclaimer, the sand isn't like super soft. It's clean and doesn't have sticks or other things in it, but it is a little bit rough. Still really nice though! Make sure you go for sunset!! As you can see in my pictures. read more

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Beautiful park with white sand. We were just driving around and saw this place was a must see. Driving is a little bit confusing because there's parking everywhere lower and above parking. Make sure you go all the way because there's a bunch of parking on the lower level that connects to the beach. We got here around 4p and it was packed. All of people enjoying the sun and there are BBQ pits so you can BBQ. picnic benches are also scattered around the park great for hanging out and eating/drinking. There's volleyball and basketball court that you can also use. Park also comes with a kids playing ground consist of swings,slides,obstacles course ropes and much more. There also a event space that you could rent out, not sure the information for that goes but when we were there an event was happening. Concession stand is near by with ice cream, hotdogs, candy and chips to purchase. It is CASH ONLY so bring cash. Showers/bathrooms are nearby the store. Also portable bathrooms are available near picnic benches. Highly recommended to come and visit this park!!! Maybe you can bring your row boat or stand up paddle board. Have fun! read more

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Golden Garden is a beautiful place to sit, explore, or just take in a sunset! A while back, our son needed to take some pictures of sea life for a Blanchet science project, so we came to Golden Gardens at all hours to take photos at high and low tide. It also gave us a better appreciation for a park that was in our own backyard, which we hadn't visited as much as we should (See photos). Parking is limited to spaces near the marina, and you have to walk north along the beach from there. But the park goes on for almost a mile up towards Carkeek Park. As you go further up, the space is limited because of the narrowing of the beach front & the private homes that are situated along the water way. But, it's a great walk and we would highly recommended it. So take your camera and get on your beach flip-flops. Enjoy! read more

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First time here and my... I cannot believe I had not come here any sooner. Just a tip... Parking is nearly impossible to find.. So park on the street next to where all the boats are parked. Do not park in the lot or spots for the cars and their trailers! We saw so many cars get ticketed. Not worth it. If you keep walking down past the mainstream volleyball/beach area, there is a really nice area where it's less crowded and perfect for laying down, sun bathing, and skipping rocks. I'll definitely be back, next time for a picnic perhaps. The crowd is not ghetto much like what you find at places like Alki. :) read more

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