SPS Updates Wallingford Playfield Public Meeting- Nov 20th

Here is an update from the project manager, Paige McGehee, for the Seattle Public Schools search for a site for an athletic field for school athletic use.  Note the meeting scheduled for this coming Wednesday, the 20^th, has been moved from the Lincoln Library to the Commons inside Hamilton International Middle School.

Dear Community Member,

Thank you for your continued interest and engagement around the location for a new synthetic turf field for Lincoln High School students.

In advance of our next community meeting on November 20, here is an update on what we’ll be discussing:

1. A revised plan for Wallingford Playfield:
   • We are proposing a smaller, half-size synthetic turf field that maintains current community use while supporting Lincoln High School and Hamilton International Middle School students for P.E. and after-school activities.
   • This approach ensures the park’s character remains intact, balancing current community use with minor additional school-related use. We are not planning lighting for this revised proposal.
2. Evaluation of alternative sites:
   • We have carefully reviewed suggestions from the community, including Gas Works Park, the Lincoln parking lot, Queen Anne Bowl, and Meridian Park. At this meeting, we’ll explain why some sites are not feasible and share insights into our selection process.
   • While Queen Anne Bowl has been eliminated as a permanent solution, it remains a potential interim option.
3. Next steps and stakeholder engagement:
   • We are exploring longer-term possibilities for a full-size field, including Woodland Park, which offers opportunities for a more comprehensive and thoughtful solution.
   • Your feedback has been instrumental in shaping these proposals, and we’ll continue to work closely with Seattle Parks and other stakeholders to refine our plans.

We understand concerns around over-activation and changes to the park’s character. These discussions have guided us to ensure any solution aligns with community values while addressing student needs.

📅 Date: Wednesday, November 20
⏰ Time: 6:00 p.m.

📍 Location: Hamilton International Middle School – Commons – PLEASE NOTE THE UPDATED LOCATION BASED ON COMMUNITY FEEDBACK

A virtual option will also be available. More details: http://www.seattleschools.org/lincoln-field

We look forward to your input on November 20. Your participation is key to shaping a balanced, equitable solution for our students and the community.