In a region surrounded by water and beautiful lakes it wasn’t hard to find venues that could play host to the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games stand up paddle board (SUP) competition. The hard part was picking just one.
Angle Lake is the choice and according to the City of SeaTac’s Recreation and Cultural Services Director Brian Tomisser the athletes who compete in SUP and the fans who support them are in for a treat.
“Angle Lake is a hidden gem,” Tomisser said. “People are always a little surprised the first time they see it. You drive down International Boulevard and it’s very industrial and busy, and then you turn into this park and you’re looking at this gorgeous lake.”
Tomisser said Angle Lake has been the beneficiary of some nice upgrades in recent years as the City of SeaTac recognized how many people were using the 102-acre lake to fish, swim, and paddle board.
“The city has done a great job of upgrading the park in recent years. They’ve added shelters, and a really fun water park for kids. It’s become a popular destination for people in the south end.”
With a new light rail station located just a couple of blocks away from the lake, fans can take Sound Transit's Link Light Rail to the venue. There is a 10-acre park on the west side of Angle Lake that will provide ample room for spectators to view the competition.
Tomisser said the City of SeaTac was very excited to engage with the 2018 USA Games as a venue host and to illustrate that fact points out the games will happen during the busiest time of the year for Angle Lake.
“The Fourth of July fireworks show is the busiest event of the year. It’s a humongous event that takes a lot of staff time and energy to make it into the event that it is. That said, there was never any hesitation on our part to be a part of it. It’s exactly the type of event that the city wants to use our venues for and Angle Lake is a perfect fit.”
To volunteer as Fans in the Stands for stand up paddleboarding at Angle Lake, click here.
Full details on the event will be released soon
