A New Direction for Woodland Park
Seattle Public Schools recently scrapped a proposal to erect a football field in Lower Woodland Park, opting instead for a more nuanced solution that balances athletic needs with community recreation.
The chosen Option B will place the new field on a gravel lot at the intersection of 50th Avenue and Aurora Avenue, a site that will also host a second soccer field to meet growing demand.
While the revised design carries an estimated $815,000 price premium over the originally favored Option A, it avoids the removal of mature trees and the crowding of the existing skate park that would have accompanied the eastward shift of Option A.
Community concerns over the loss of the gravel lot, which serves cyclocross and cross‑country events, prompted planners to adjust surrounding paths and the ring road in the upper picnic area, aiming to limit disruption.
Safety and Sustainability Measures
The timeline to 2029 allows engineers to redesign Green Lake Way N from a four‑to‑five lane corridor into a more balanced configuration, reducing vehicle speeds and improving pedestrian safety. Additionally, the plan incorporates permeable paving and native vegetation to mitigate stormwater runoff.
Ben Shuldiner, a local advocate who has long championed the preservation of the park’s dirt jumps, welcomed the decision, noting that the new plan reflects the community’s voice.
The project also earmarks funds for tree‑canopy preservation, ensuring that the park’s green character remains intact while accommodating new sports infrastructure.
Seattle Public Schools has pledged ongoing collaboration with residents, promising that future adjustments will continue to reflect public input as the construction progresses.