Battle Over Lighted Ball Fields

Battle Over Lighted Ball Fields

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Story Published: Mar 23, 2004 at 10:07 AM PDT

Story Updated: Aug 31, 2006 at 1:26 AM PDT

By Molly Shen

SEATTLE - The Seattle Parks Department would like to build 11 new, lighted, ball fields at Sand Point Magnuson Park.

Magnuson Park is directly across from the Kirkland waterfront. The fields would be so well lit that people living on the opposite of Lake Washington worry they would be drowned out by the bright lights.

Magnuson Park already has some playing fields, but they are older and they are not lit.

The parks department says it is meeting about half of the demand for athletic fields so this redeveloping of Magnuson Park would be a huge leap forward. The plan includes new soccer, baseball, softball and rugby fields.

A group of people who live in Kirkland have organized against the field lighting. The fields would have 628 lights. Residents compare the wattage of the lights to that at Safeco Field, or six shopping malls. They say it would have a big impact on their views.

The plan for well-lit ball fields is not a done deal yet.

The Seattle City Council still needs to hold a public hearing next month. They could decide whether to move forward in May.

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