I felt it necessary to comment on the story re: the new Parks Superintendent which appeared in the last News ("New Parks Super sees opportunity for change; Tim Gallagher is happy to have his new job," Dec. 26).
For a couple years now, many of us have fought to save Hangar 27 at Sandpoint Magnuson Park for the use of over 30 groups that have, for many years, rented it throughout the year. These groups include Rat City Roller Girls, NW Crafts Alliance, Cascade Bike Club, Lakeside Rummage Sale and many, many others.
As far as I know, most if not all of these groups are nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations.
All of these groups have now been tossed aside by the parks department in favor of heavily subsidized use by Arena Sports, a private for-profit organization which appeals to a narrow part of our city's population.
As such, there has been a scramble to find other comparable space in the Greater Seattle area, with the unfortunate result that no other
space this size, with free parking, is available anywhere in the area (we have looked from Snohomish to
Pierce County and have found nothing).
It's unfortunate that you chose to cast the takeover by Arena Sports in such a positive light. Arena Sports currently has discounted use of another hangar at Magnuson Park, but for some reason has decided to go after 27. Those of us who oppose their takeover of Hangar 27 feel it is out and out privatization of now-public space. If you wish to have more information in this regard, I can refer you to others who have much better information than I.
As a native Seattleite, I - and many others - encourage the idea of preserving our wonderful open spaces for diverse appropriate uses, rather than for the profit of a private company.
Please understand that all four of my children, when younger, played soccer. I'm stating this to explain I'm very pro-soccer, and very pro-any type of vigorous activity for children, but don't feel this displacement of other groups using Hangar 27 is the way to further this goal.
Thanks for your time.
Catherine Chohlas
Lifetime Queen Anne/
Magnolia resident