Last year’s proposal from Seattle Public Schools to turn Wallingford Playfield into athletic fields for Lincoln High School sparked considerable discussion in the neighborhood and beyond. The following is an update on the Wallingford Playfield renovation proposals from Paige McGehee, project manager at Shiels Obletz Johnsen, Inc., the project management consultancy firm working on the effort. Bottom line: it looks like plans for the playfield are on hold for the time being, while additional options are being explored.
Dear community member,
Thank you for your continued engagement regarding the future location of a new synthetic turf field for Lincoln High School students. I’d like to share an important update on this work.
Seattle Public Schools (SPS) has decided to pause planning efforts at Wallingford Playfield at this time. While we recognize the value this project could bring to students and the community, we want to take additional time to explore options and gather broader input. This pause does not mean we are stepping away from evaluating this site entirely, but rather taking the time needed to assess next steps thoughtfully.
In addition, SPS is expanding our search to Woodland Park as a potential location for a new full-size synthetic turf field. Woodland Park could provide a longer-term solution to meet Lincoln High School’s needs while also supporting the broader community. We will be conducting a siting study and engaging communities starting this Fall as part of this effort.
SPS and SPR (Seattle Parks and Recreation) have also agreed to move forward with track upgrades at Woodland Park Field #7 to support the Lincoln HS track program. We will engage in a separate community outreach effort for that project.
We are committed to a transparent and inclusive process and will continue to provide updates as this work progresses. Thank you for your partnership as we move into this next phase of planning.
For additional information and future updates, please visit: www.seattleschools.org/lincoln-field.
Sincerely,
Paige McGehee
Project Manager
1109 1st Ave | Suite 330 | Seattle, WA 98101
T 206.354.1293 | sojsea.com
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Lame. At this rate the new Memorial Stadium will be completed before they're out of this next phase of planning.
Here's an idea: instead of paving over natural grass with artificial turf, why don't they figure out a way to convert existing concrete and asphalt spaces into a playfield?