Volunteers in Marysville are clearing field for students from three schools to play on

Published 12:01 am Saturday, November 14, 2009

MARYSVILLE — Slowly but surely, a band of volunteers is taming a lumpy, tangled mess of weeds and debris that they want to turn into athletic fields for middle and high school students.

The site on the Tulalip Indian Reservation is in front of three small schools that make up the Marysville Secondary Campus, 7204 27th Ave. NE.

The schools opened over the past two years but there wasn’t money for the athletic fields that students hope to play on someday.

Instead of approaching the cash-strapped Marysville School District, parents, students and school supporters are trying to do the work without tapping taxpayers.

Last April, volunteers netted about $30,000 with an auction. That money will be put toward a jogging trail and exercise stations that will become part of the campus.

These days, the focus has shifted to toil in the soil.

An October work party brought together 50 volunteers, including many students, who filled a large dumpster with garbage, construction debris, Scotch broom and other weeds, and rocks.

Another work party is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 21, with more efforts aimed at clearing the grounds that front Marysville Arts & Technology High School, Tulalip Heritage High School and Tenth Street Middle School.

“The more the merrier,” said Lana Magnan, a volunteer.

At the same time, organizers have been approaching the Tulalip Tribes and other groups for help and for donations such as topsoil.

Building fields for football and soccer and baseball and softball, along with picnic tables, benches and a jogging trail, could cost more than $1 million.

For now, volunteers want to create the fitness trail and a level, grassy area for playing and PE class.

“Our goal is to make it functional for next fall as a play space,” Magnan said.

At a time when a sour economy is forcing cuts to education, district officials say they are encouraged to see volunteers help out.

“We are thrilled to have this kind of support and the effort they are making out there,” said John Bingham, the school district’s capital projects director. “They keep working it and working it and working it.”

Magnan has had one of her children graduate from Marysville Arts and Technology High School. Two others attend the school now.

It’s hard to say how much they will be able to benefit from the field project, but that is not the point.

Each spring, outgoing seniors choose a project for the auction proceeds. Last year’s seniors wanted to see the money go to the fields.

“The idea is seniors get to leave a legacy to the school,” Magnan said.

Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446, stevick@heraldnet.com.