News-Tribune

Four years ago an athletic complex to replace a bare uninviting concrete field at Salmon Bay School was just a dream.

That dream is fast becoming a reality with construction well underway on a new field and a grand opening dedication party planned for Oct. 7.

Salmon Bay Athletic Field project organizers envisioned a multi-purpose facility to serve a wide range of interests for the school and the community.

A soccer field with synthetic turf, measuring 180 feet by 130 feet wide is the main feature. It was designed for age U-11 division teams from the Ballard Youth Soccer Club.

A synthetic track will surround the soccer field. At the south end will be a full court basketball court and two half courts.

Black vinyl fencing will be installed around the field. Bleachers will accommodate fans and seating in the northwest corner will allow people to relax and enjoy views of Mount Rainier on clear days.

Along the north wall will be a ceramic tile mural made by children and adults with the help of artist Charles Bigger.

"It's going to be nice," said Sam Star chair of the Salmon Bay Athletic Field Project. "It's an important feature of the field to have a community designed mural."

The field was designed with public safety in mind.

"There are no hidden spaces, so neighbors can see the field and call police if necessary," said Star.

A committee of 10 to 15 people have worked on the project from its inception.

They have held negotiations with the Seattle School District, conducted fundraising and worked with the firm D.A. Hogan on a design.

Project designer D.A. Hogan worked on the University of Washington's Husky Stadium and Qwest Stadium where the Seattle Seahawks play.

"They're the number one engineering firm for sports fields in the northwest," said Star.

The cost of the project was approximately $650,000. The Seattle School District's Capital Improvement Levy provided $400,000. Voters passed the initiative in February 2004.

"(The Levy) was able to provide us so much money and got us close to target," said Star.

The Seattle Department of Neighborhood's Neighborhood Matching Fund added $100,000.

Other funding sources included: $45,000 from King County; $20,000 from Ballard Place Condominiums; $18,000 from Ballard Youth Soccer Club; $28,000 from Salmon Bay School's PTSA; $10,000 from Loyal Heights Advisory Council; $5,000 from Seattle Youth Soccer Association; $5,000 from Cairncross and Hempelmann; $3,000 from the Seattle Foundation; $1,500 HomeStreet Bank; and $1,000 from Groundswell N.W.

The Salmon Bay School will have exclusive use of the field from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on school days.

The soccer field will also host Ballard Youth Soccer Club practices and games.

The Ballard Boys and Girls Club are also looking into playing t-ball games there in the spring.

During other times, the public can reserve use of the field with the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation.

"It's going to be an asset for Ballard," said Star. "It feels good after four years to have it come to completion."

The dedication will be a big event said Star. "We want everyone to contribute, have a big party, kick some balls around and run on the track," said Star.