By Joe Sims
Manager Planning & Research, Port of Seattle“For several years the Port of Seattle has been buying severely noise impacted property around Sea-Tac Airport. Most of this land -ultimately nearly 450 acres at the north end of the airport -is destined to become one of the country’s most unique public parks. Unique, because its development represents a remarkable joint effort between the community, the County and the Port of Seattle. The master plan contemplates nature trails, bicycle moto-cross course, soccer, football, baseball and basketball courts. Land has already been leased by a Little League and has been· developed for baseball diamonds. Ultimately, it may also include an 18 hole golf course to be leased to a private operator just as the Tyee course at the south end of the field has been for the past 15 years. Just goes to show–progress doesn’t have to be painful- and an airport, in addition to contributing jobs and money to the community, can be a good neighbor as well. Interestingly, not only is this land going to be recycled, but most of the houses that once stood have been sold and moved to provide shelter for families elsewhere in the community. This is the kind of positive progress that can be accomplished by caring people working together, and that’s probably the most remarkable accomplishment of all.
Manager Planning & Research, Port of Seattle“For several years the Port of Seattle has been buying severely noise impacted property around Sea-Tac Airport. Most of this land -ultimately nearly 450 acres at the north end of the airport -is destined to become one of the country’s most unique public parks. Unique, because its development represents a remarkable joint effort between the community, the County and the Port of Seattle. The master plan contemplates nature trails, bicycle moto-cross course, soccer, football, baseball and basketball courts. Land has already been leased by a Little League and has been· developed for baseball diamonds. Ultimately, it may also include an 18 hole golf course to be leased to a private operator just as the Tyee course at the south end of the field has been for the past 15 years. Just goes to show–progress doesn’t have to be painful- and an airport, in addition to contributing jobs and money to the community, can be a good neighbor as well. Interestingly, not only is this land going to be recycled, but most of the houses that once stood have been sold and moved to provide shelter for families elsewhere in the community. This is the kind of positive progress that can be accomplished by caring people working together, and that’s probably the most remarkable accomplishment of all.
The Port of Seattle, listens.”