The fate of Wallingford Play field and Hamilton International Middle School was still undecided after the May 24 meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners.
On the agenda that evening were two separate Seattle Public Schools proposals. The first concerned a possible boundary adjustment for Hamilton that would extend the school property 27 feet north into the Wallingford Playfield. This adjustment would allow for the school's proposed renovations that include a new gymnasium and parking structure.
Also discussed was the possible installation of 132 subterranean geothermal wells beneath the playfield's surface. The wells are intended to provide sustainable heating, ventilation and air conditioning to the adjacent middle school.
If the lot adjustment is passed, Initiative 42 states that Seattle Public Schools would then be required to provide a replacement property of like size, value and usability to the park.
However, the initiative also outlines that any re-allotment of park land to the city (in this case the Seattle Public Schools) should be seen as a last resort and only justifiable in the case of no viable alternative.
"I'm totally for the Hamilton program - as long as it stays on the Hamilton site," said neighbor Phil Czosnyka.
The concern among community members is that the lot adjustment would impact the park's community-built sunken garden, as well as close off portions of the newly renovated Wallingford Playfield.
"I think you're giving away park space for a 30-foot-wall and a parking garage," said community member Bill Denny of the proposal.
The Seattle Public Schools responded to such complaints by offering to construct a paved plaza or a pedestrian bridge between the Wallingford Playfield and Hamilton. However, all proposed options for this unification would either destroy the sunken garden completely or sacrifice a large portion of it, opponents said.
'SUBSTANDARD' CONDITIONS
Yet, several parents and teachers said the space for the Hamilton Middle School renovation is desperately needed.
Hamilton's incoming principal, Katie Cryan-Leary, feels the middle school's current gymnasium "is a substandard building." Of Hamilton in general, she said, "There are a lot of parents who don't want to send their kids there" because of its poor teaching facilities.
Some Hamilton teachers describe falling tiles, chipping paint and overall "disaster" conditions in their classrooms, as well, she said.
Hamilton has been using the space requested in the Seattle Public Schools proposal as part of its paved play area for several years.
Under a Joint Use Agreement between the city and Seattle Public Schools, the community would have access to the new gymnasium outside of school hours.
As for the geothermal wells, once installed, they are predicted to require little maintenance, with minimal impact to the park. However, their initial installation is estimated to close portions of the playfield for eight to 12 months.
This upset local citizens who had spent the last seven years working on substantial renovations to the playfield. Residents were equally upset by the effect the debate itself is having on their community.
Local citizen Lianne Sheppard said these issues "pit the interests of the community against local students" and that such debates are deteriorating community relations.
Frank Fay agreed, saying, "I resent the school district so much for making citizens choose sides against each other."
DECISION FORTHCOMING
The parks board did request more information on the alternative renovation plans for Hamilton that would not interfere with the park.
Decisions regarding both the lot boundary adjustment and the geothermal wells were pending a June 14 parks board meeting, after which the board was to make its recommendation to the interim parks superintendent.
[[In-content Ad]]
