Mayoral Candidate Bruce Harrell’s statement showing strong support for playfields:
Seattle’s parks and playfields shaped my life. Mentored and inspired by my coaches and teammates playing little league baseball, I went on to play football at Garfield and later at the UW. As a parent, mentor, and coach myself, I’ve spent countless hours at our city’s sports fields. I truly understand the importance of our city providing more athletic fields to support our children and adults.
When elected, you can count on me to closely examine how we plan for more fields, improve and better maintain the fields we have now, and ensure that we efficiently schedule our fields so that they can serve the needs of all the people who enjoy active recreation in our city. I’ll bring strong relationships to improve coordination with the Seattle School District under the Joint Use Agreement, so more athletic fields are able to be used by more field users across our city.
Central to my plans to rethink and increase parks district funding are investments in neighborhoods traditionally underserved– by parks and open space, and opportunities for active recreation. We must improve and expand options for healthy outdoor activity for a growing city.
Seattle residents of all ages, regardless of zip code or economic status, deserve neighborhood sports fields that are safe, able to be used year round, and lighted where appropriate. Active recreation is good for our physical and mental health– and can inspire young people to achieve their dreams. As Mayor, you can count on me to ensure the Parks Department and my administration make active recreation and widespread access to athletic fields a top priority.
