Heraldnet.com
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2010 5:36 pm
ADVERTISEMENT

LocalNorthwestNation & WorldPoliticsSpecial ReportsPhotosColumnistsMultimedia 
Blog
Jerry Cornfield
A new state ferry is born
Your town news
Julie Muhlstein
Columnist Julie Muhlstein's take on life in Snohomish County.
•Latest: 1949 travel aid shows how few places blacks were welcome in Washington
Kristi O'Harran
Columnist Kristi O'Harran writes about people in Snohomish County.
•Latest: PAWS calls out for critter care-givers
Latest gallery

Model Train Show
February 7. 2010 (7 photos)
[More Herald photos]
 
WEEK IN REVIEW
Monday


Lynnwood woman knew area's stories long before ...
Everett rethinks boutique wineries
A tidy lawn could be law in Lynnwood
Sunday


Marysville family comes together amid devastati...
Monroe Correctional Complex to lessen security ...
Extra patrols will be watching for drunken driv...
Saturday


Olympics are in the air
Everett police officers cleared in 2008 shootin...
Edmonds woman leaves gift of millions
Friday


Budget squeeze may close beloved Trafton school
Endgame near on airport flight debate?
Aaron Reardon laments political sparring with c...
Thursday


4-car police pileup in Everett under investigation
Edmonds educator, famous announcer dies
Bill would suspend limits on tax hikes
Wednesday


Citizenship classes: All for a better life
Many Snohomish County kids haven't had second d...
Snohomish County jail thrives under sheriff's m...
Tuesday


Mukilteo kids’ cards help Haitians
County Council increases scrutiny on Reardon
Pentagon report a good sign for Everett's Navy ...
 

ADVERTISEMENT

Local News   Print This Article  Email This Page  Subscribe Now! facebook digg reddit del.icio.us fark stumble

 
ADVERTISEMENT

 
CONTACT THE HERALD
Robert Frank, City Editor
frank@heraldnet.com
 
Published: Monday, June 15, 2009

No Mill Creek Sports Park expansion for now

A master plan for Mill Creek Sport Park and a bid for state funding has been shelved

MILL CREEK -- The city won't pursue state funds anytime soon to expand the city-owned Mill Creek Sports Park.

City Council members decided last week to shelve a proposed sports-park master plan, which would have opened the door to possible future funding, until the city's financial footing is on firmer ground.

The council had directed city staff in February 2008 to prepare a master plan for future expansion of the sports park, said Bill Trimm, the city's community development director.

Trimm estimated it would cost $174,055 and take the consultant about six to eight months to put the plan together. That plan, which would involve public feedback, was a necessary step if the city wanted to vie for state construction funds, Trimm said.

A preliminary city budget for expansion of the sports park came to more than $9.5 million. The council was quick to reject the master plan, saying though it might be a good option at some point, but now is not a good time.

"We can't justify spending $9 million on it at this time, that I would agree with," said Mayor Terry Ryan, after the council's unanimous decision.

The Mill Creek Sports Park, 13903 North Creek Drive, opened in 2005 and includes a baseball-softball field and a multipurpose field. In March 2008, the city purchased land next to the sports park that could eventually become part of an expanded park. The park is used by several organizations, including the Mill Creek Little League.

"I think eventually we'll expand the park, but this just isn't the right time," Ryan said.

Councilmembers Mary Kay Voss and Donna Michelson have opposed spending any more money on the sports park, and Councilman Mike Todd said the city should seek a partnership agreement with the Everett School District to eventually expand the park.

"I haven't been sold on the idea that we need two fields," Voss said.

Michelson said, "I am very sorry to disappoint the council, but I am not interested in spending one more penny on the sports park. We have a very nice sports park and we have a lot of other needs."

Phil McDonald, president of Tyne Castle FC, a select soccer club for youths ages 8 to 18, said his organization doesn't use the sports park because the soccer field isn't large enough.

"You can't play a match on it," he said. "We'd love to call it a home field but the size of it doesn't meet the playing requirements."

COMMENTS | Be the first to comment

Log in or register to post a new comment.


To read other terms and conditions, click here

Other Advertisers
TODAY'S TOP JOBS
 View All Top Jobs 
Top Cars
Top Homes

ADVERTISEMENT