If you’re involved with Seattle Public Schools in any capacity, it feels nearly impossible to think about anything other than the looming list of elementary school closures. Here in Wallingford, parents (myself included) are buzzing with questions about the fate of Dual Language Immersion programs at John Stanford International School (JSIS) and McDonald Elementary.
But another topic is stirring up a lot of opinions: the proposal to install synthetic turf at Wallingford Playfield.
If you’ve spent any time in neighborhood Facebook groups lately, you’ve probably seen the debate. On one side, parents are excited about the idea of turf, thrilled at the possibility of having a quality field nearby instead of driving miles for their kids’ practices and games. On the other side, you’ve got the folks who love Wallingford Playfield’s green grass — a soft space for their dogs to run and garner angry eye rolls and keyboard critiques from a potion of our neighbors.
My personal and highly uneducated opinion: turf all you want as long as you leave the playground and wading pool for our younger kiddos!
Seattle Public Schools is considering Wallingford Playfield as a potential location for a new synthetic turf field for Lincoln High School and Hamilton International Middle School. The field would also serve local youth sports clubs and community events.
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Why Lincoln High School students need a field
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What options are being considered for field location
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What changes are proposed for Lower Woodland #7 track
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Questions and comments from those in attendance