Plan for Magnuson park stands at seven lighted fields

Thursday, June 3, 2004

By KATHY MULADY
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

A score card would have been handy to help track a Seattle City Council panel's decisions on athletic fields at Sand Point Magnuson Park yesterday.

In the end, the council's park committee agreed to seven lighted synthetic fields, with lights turned off at 10 each night and no lights at all on Sundays.

The committee also approved two synthetic fields and four natural fields that won't have lights.

The first phase of construction could start this summer. It would include the "sports meadow" section of the park and partial development of a 65-acre wetlands habitat.

"We came a long way today," said Councilman David Della, the committee chairman. "It is a good compromise. We heard everyone. Everyone gets something out of it."

The plan is scheduled to go to the full council for a vote June 14.

Councilwoman Jean Godden, who voted to support the plan for seven lighted fields last month, yesterday made a motion to eliminate two fields.

"We acted hastily toward the end of the meeting. I think we need to reconsider," Godden said. Councilman Tom Rasmussen supported her proposal, but the motion failed.

After the meeting, Godden said she might propose reducing the number of lighted fields again when the full council meets, if she can gather support from other council members.

Seattle Parks and Recreation originally proposed a total of 15 fields, 11 with synthetic turf and lights.

The city already has a resolution requiring field lights to be turned off at 10 p.m., although some fields keep the lights on until 11 p.m. Few cities allow sports-field lights on past 11 p.m., according to research by the City Council's staff.

The total project as proposed by the park department was expected to cost about $60 million. About $13 million will be paid from the Pro Parks Levy, approved by Seattle voters four years ago.

"There isn't money for what we are envisioning," Godden said.

The council committee said yesterday that it might propose a phased approach to development at the park, based on money available.

The committee also approved the creation of an advisory team to report to the council on progress on the park project. The committee also required a plan for monitoring progress on the new wetlands habitat.

The development of Sand Point Magnuson Park has been one of the most controversial issues facing the City Council.

In April, hundreds of people crowded City Hall during a public hearing. People on both sides of the issue have flooded council members' e-mail boxes with letter.

Supporters of more fields say the city is far from meeting the demand for year-round lighted fields where youngsters and adults can play soccer, baseball, rugby and ultimate Frisbee.

P-I reporter Kathy Mulady can be reached at 206-448-8029 or kathymulady@seattlepi.com

Add P-I Local headlines to