The Seattle City Council’s Planning, Land Use and Neighborhoods Committee could soon vote on proposed upgrades to Hiawatha Playfield, including replacement of existing light poles and 8,000 cubic yards of regrading.

The existing 10 light poles, measuring 55 feet to 84 feet in height, would be replaced by nine poles measuring up to 90 feet. Although significantly taller, the new lighting system would be aimed more directly at the field and create less light pollution in the surrounding neighborhood.

The lights would be controlled remotely, coming on at dusk and turning off when the park closes. After turning off, security lights, similar to street lights, will be lit for fifteen minutes to allow safe departure from the park.

The existing sand/silt all weather surface would be replaced with synthetic turf, and the existing track with a new synthetic rubber track.
Ted Holden, Seattle Parks and Recreation, says that the park will be less dusty and playable in all weather conditions.

“We don’t see adverse impacts to the community, we only see a benefit,” says Holden.

Because the park is in a residential zone, the project requires an exemption to current land use codes from the city council.

One large elm tree, which exists within the track, will also be removed. The tree has been struck by lightning in the past and is at risk for contracting Dutch Elm Disease, which could be spread to other healthy elms if the tree is not removed.

Rob Wonder, president of the Hiawatha Advisory Council advocated the project at the committee’s last meeting.

“It is sorely needed in the community,” said Wonder.

City council member Tom Rasmussen has heard almost no objections from the community regarding the project, and suspects that the committee and the full council will approve it.

“The community has been working towards (these improvements) for almost eight years,” said Rasmussen. “It will create a better quality of life.”

West Seattle High School has requested that construction be stalled until the conclusion of their baseball season, which typically falls around Memorial Day. Complying with this request, Holden says the upgrades could still be completed around Labor Day.

The Planning, Land Use and Neighborhoods Committee could vote on the exemption at their next meeting on Feb. 25 at 9:30 a.m. and the full council is scheduled to vote on March 2.