Superintendent Shuldiner Makes a Decision on Lincoln High School Field

 This announcement came at Lincoln High School yesterday. 


“After many years of conversation about this, it was clear when I arrived as superintendent four months ago that it is time to act,” he said. 

He told assembled students that SPS is asking Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) to partner on design and development a full-size, multi-sport athletic field at N. 50th Street and Aurora Avenue North in Woodland Park. 

The request is based on the concept presented as Option B on April 25 with refinements to possible field orientation in response to community feedback.

“I am also asking that we proceed with the planned renovation of the track a Lower Woodland Field #7,” he added. 

He acknowledged that there are still decisions to be made, including how to best orient the field on the site to reduce impacts to tree and surrounding areas of the park. The next steps after SPR agreement will be to begin the design, environmental review, and permitting process. The project will require an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate the potential impacts of the proposed action. 

One of the most important parts of the design process will be determining the best orientation for the field within the site with the goal of reducing impacts on tree canopy and surrounding natural areas. We heard that feedback clearly, and it will guide our work.

The process will also include planning to support tree canopy and the forest floor, a traffic and parking study, ADA compliance, and an environmental impact statement that will include public comment. We’ll also be looking carefully at impacts to cross-country and cyclocross use of the area.


As well,

This option is the right one for Lincoln students because it:

- Expands access by adding a new full-size athletic field available for both Lincoln and the broader community

- Meets program needs for soccer, football, Ultimate Frisbee, and lacrosse without displacing other users.

- Minimizes disruption at Lower Woodland to focus on what’s needed for the track upgrade

- Preserves capacity by avoiding overcrowding at Lower Woodland

We still have work to do in partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation.

I don't love this location because I have concerns about parking. As well, I wonder what the neighborhood will say. Plus, they say they need some area for equipment storage and where will that be? 

But as Shuldiner says, he had to make a decision. 

Comments

Anonymous said…
Superintendent Shuldiner DID have to make a decision, and one has to admire the style and transparency around announcing it first to the Lincoln student body. They will have not had a dedicated athletic field for the first decade of their reopening. And admirations to the students cheering despite likely never getting to use this planned field. Nice connection to and dedication to the larger community and school... Go Lynx!

SPS Parent
6/11/26, 9:22 AM
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