(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
“Dreams do come true,” exulted West Seattle Little League president Mark Terao as he and WSLL leaders past, present, and future cut the ribbon formally dedicating the Bar-S Playfield improvements they fought hard to make happen.
Central among them, the new “Snack Shack” in front of which the ribbon was stretched for the brief ceremony, led by Terao:
(WSB video by Tracy Record)
The architect who donated his time was part of it too, Rich Murakami, ski-jacketed in the chilly drizzle:
(Murakami is not only a nearby resident, he’s also made his mark on West Seattle in another very-visible project – the Southwest Precinct.)
The dedication was part of a celebration that defied the day’s off-and-on rain, bookended by a season-ending barbecue, among other things. More after the jump:
The grill was sizzling with enough food to feed hundreds. But the window still rolled open at the new Snack Shack, post-ceremony:
That’s Gina Coats inside. The Bar-S project addressed more than a need for a better concession stand – it includes storage, and has brought permanent restrooms to the park. Good news for the parents, one WSLL mom told us, pointing to the Honey Buckets on the other side of the park.
The project is yet another in which a public park has been improved by the efforts of a private organization. WSLL amassed not only donations from businesses and individuals/families – many listed here – but also a Mariners/Boeing grant.
After the ribboncutting, it was right back to food and fun. That included another tradition – announcing the teams and presenting their trophies. We stayed long enough to see some of the youngest players, the T-ballers, accept their honors:
First up were the Dust Devils; not long after that, the Sea Monsters:
And some of the players weren’t at the event because they’re still playing – the WSLL majors and minors champs were in Normandy Park for the Tournament of Champions. The WSLL All-Stars will be in postseason play soon, with games coming to Bar-S, new facilities and all, the weekend before the Fourth of July.
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