Lincoln HS Athletic Field

Today, Superintendent Shuldiner met with Lincoln High School students to announce his recommendation for the location of the school’s new athletic field.

“After many years of conversation about this, it was clear when I arrived as superintendent four months ago that it is time to act,” he said.

He told assembled students that SPS is asking Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) to partner on design and development a full-size, multi-sport athletic field at N. 50^th Street and Aurora Avenue North in Woodland Park.

“I am also asking that we proceed with the planned renovation of the track a Lower Woodland Field #7,” he added.

He acknowledged that there are still decisions to be made, including how to best orient the field on the site to reduce impacts to tree and surrounding areas of the park. The next steps after SPR agreement will be to begin the design, environmental review, and permitting process. The project will require an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate the potential impacts of the proposed action.

Lincoln High School is the only comprehensive high school in the district without a “home field.” Many of the school’s athletic teams have been bused to Ingraham High School for practice. There is not enough space on the Lincoln High School campus to accommodate an athletic field.

By locating the new athletic field and track facilities at Woodland Park, Lincoln students will have a nearby, walkable location for boys’ and girls’ after-school sports. The field will also provide a space for other school activities, including marching band and recreational athletics.

The new field and track facilities will be part of the SPS/SPR joint use agreement, which already provides for shared use of district athletic facilities and fields within Seattle parks.

A message was sent to Lincoln families and staff immediately following the announcement.