TagGreater Highline Community Parks Board(7)

The Greater Highline Community Parks Board was organized in early 1981 to represent the local community in developing the North Sea-Tac Park, a project arising from the Port of Seattle's acquisition of land severely impacted by airplane noise from Sea-Tac Airport. The development plan included steps such as securing a master lease with the Port of Seattle, organizing sports and recreation programs, cleaning up and improving the site, and potentially taking over Sunset School for community use. Key milestones between 1980 and 1981 included a $30,000 master plan study, approvals from both the Port of Seattle Commission and King County, and a bid by the Parks Board on all Sunset School buildings contingent on obtaining the master lease.

A 1987 Port of Seattle memorandum recommending that the Port Commission formally endorse the SeaTac Area Plan Update, a King County policy plan guiding land use, transportation, development, and recreation decisions around Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The document outlines three potential Commission actions, including endorsing the overall plan, adopting the North SeaTac Park Plan, and establishing a policy framework for a South Access Road Improvement District. A key unresolved issue involves the Sunset Activity Center, located in an airport safety zone, with the plan recommending negotiations between King County, the Port of Seattle, and the Greater Highline Community Parks Board to determine its future.

This is the agenda for the Port of Seattle Commission Regular Meeting held on May 24, 1983, covering a range of business items related to Sea-Tac International Airport and port terminals. Airport-related items include a contract award for a Satellite Transit System Electrical System Upgrade, lease negotiations with the Greater Highline Community Parks Board for facilities at the North Sea-Tac Park, and lease agreements with several companies operating at Sea-Tac. A Staff Review Session on Terminal 91 Redevelopment, including public comment and Commission discussion, was also scheduled.

Minutes from the Highline Community Council meeting held August 12, 1982, covering local governance topics including a discussion on the proposed incorporation of Highline, a King County Council decision to pursue senior housing instead of a planned Civic Center, and updates from the Citizens to Save Puget Sound Committee. The council also approved sending congratulations to a newly appointed Metro Council member and scheduled a candidates night event for October before the General Election.

A February 14, 1982 article from the Highline Times reports that the FAA and Port of Seattle agreed to temporarily lift the 60-person density limit at the Sunset Junior High School complex for approved special events, such as fundraising dances and bingo nights. The complex sits on port-owned land directly beneath Sea-Tac Airport's north flight path, where density restrictions exist for public safety reasons. While the agreement allows the Highline Community Parks Board to hold occasional large events, it falls short of permitting the regular, full-capacity scheduling the board had sought for the facility.

This brochure from the Greater Highline Community Parks Board outlines the Master Plan for North Sea-Tac Park, a 50-acre recreational area developed in the airport's north clear zone — land set aside due to aircraft noise impacts. Formed after a 1979 jointly funded planning effort by the Port of Seattle and King County, the nonprofit board manages the park and the Sunset Activity Center (a former junior high school), offering facilities for groups such as a BMX club, equestrian association, and Kennedy High School cross-country trails. The document also promotes a Booster Club membership drive to support continued park development and operations.

This January 1974 planning document lists proposed Highline neighborhood parks and trails, detailing 29 potential park sites with their proposed locations, acreage, acquisition costs, and development priorities. Sites such as North Shorewood, Salmon Creek, Arbor Lake, and Parkside are evaluated, with acquisition costs ranging from zero to over $82,000 and development funding noted in varying stages. The document also references a Highline Bike Route and Des Moines Trail, reflecting mid-1970s green space planning efforts in the communities surrounding the Sea-Tac Airport area.