The Magnuson All-Sports Plan
Vision
To design and build the region's best all-weather, all-sports complex at Seattle's Sand Point/Magnuson Park. In combination with the restored historic buildings and natural areas, the all-sports complex will create a truly great urban park.
Background
The current design for Sand Point/Magnuson Park includes a natural area restoration and a campus of restored historical buildings that will set exciting new standards for urban parks nationwide. Unfortunately the planned athletic field complex does not meet this standard. Although the proposed facilities represent a marked improvement over the existing fields, the current design does not compare to the bold, visionary thinking that went into the shoreline, wetland, and campus planning.
Simply put, the athletic fields component of the plan aims too low. Seattle is experiencing a crisis in the availability of athletic fields. There are not enough fields to meet current demand, and most organized sports are growing at the rate of 5-10% per year. Designing an innovative, high-quality athletic fields complex at Sand Point/Magnuson will make an important commitment to the welfare of Seattle's families and youth and make all aspects of the park exceptional.
Design Goal
The area designated for athletic fields should accommodate the following facilities:
* Six full-sized (120 yard x 70 yard) soccer fields. These fields should have a synthetic surface and be lighted to support year-round play.
* Four softball/little league diamonds, and 2 baseball diamonds. These fields should be lighted, have synthetic infields, and have permanent or moveable fences. Four of the six diamonds should be arranged in a cloverleaf to support tournament play.
* Two full-sized (120m x 75m) rugby pitches. The surfaces should be grass and include a drainage system and irrigation. One of these fields should be lit and include placements for removable goal posts.
* Multi-use space for ten or more full-sized (120 yards x 40 yards) ultimate frisbee fields. The surfaces should be grass and include a drainage system and irrigation. These fields could be shared on a seasonal basis with the baseball/softball outfields and rugby/soccer pitches.
* A 400-meter composition track.
* Six lit tennis courts (in addition to the indoor tennis center).
* Three lit basketball courts.
This complex would qualify as the best all-weather, all-sports facility in the region.
Public Support
The program outlined here has strong, citywide support. The participants and families involved in the organizations that drafted this program plan directly represent over 50,000 men, women, and children--or about 10% of Seattle's residents. Because such a large proportion of citizens will benefit from the project, the sports complex should help galvanize citywide support for implementing the entire Sand Point/Magnuson Park Plan, including the restoration of historic buildings and natural areas.
Funding
The organizations responsible for this program plan are also committed to spearheading private fundraising efforts through grantwriting, special events, and user fees, and to working in support of City of Seattle bond issues that fund development of the park.
Conclusion
Sand Point/Magnuson Park can be the crown jewel of Seattle's city parks. Adding an exciting sports complex to the park plan would complement the ongoing restoration of historic buildings and the planned restoration of the Magnuson wetlands and natural area. By building the region's best all-weather, all-sports facility, the Mayor and Council can make a bold commitment to our families and youth and ensure that Sand Point/Magnuson becomes a truly great urban park.