West Seattle, Washington
19 Thursday
West Seattle Little League has two more All-Star teams celebrating district titles – the report and photos were sent by WSLL’s Jackie Borg:
Little League WA District 7 tournaments wrapped up this week with West Seattle Little League (WSLL) 10s Softball and 11s Baseball teams taking the district title win to secure their spots in the WA State tournament.
10s Softball All-Stars
The 10s went undefeated in the District 7 tournament! In a nail-biter game, the 10s held onto their lead to clinch a 7-6 victory over Seattle Central LL.
All three of WSLL’s All-Star softball teams will represent WSLL and District-7 at the state level! Congratulations to the amazing players and dedicated coaches on this incredible achievement! Their state tournament starts July 14th in Othello, Washington.
11s Baseball All-Stars
The 11s Baseball All-Stars faced a challenging start, losing their initial game to Rainier District LL on Tuesday night. However, they showcased resilience and determination, staging an impressive comeback in a decisive winner-takes-all match. Their hard work paid off with a triumphant 5-2 victory, demonstrating their grit and teamwork under pressure. Their state tournament starts July 20th in Richland, Washington.
In all, WSLL is sending five teams to the state tournaments to represent District 7: 11s and 12s baseball and 10s, 12s, and Juniors softball. The 12s softball All-Stars are in the midst of their state run and have won their first two games. They play again tomorrow (Thursday, 7/4), at 10 a.m. at Hartman Park in Redmond vs. Mill Creek.
To continue following their All-Star journey, visit the WSLL All-Stars News page.
The West Seattle Little League 12s All-Stars are headed for state competition after winning the district championship. Thanks to Jackie Borg for sending the report and photos:
The WSLL All-Star baseball 12s achieved a thrilling victory Thursday night, securing the District 7 Championship!
With incredible determination and skill, the 12s had to rally to beat South Highline National twice to clinch the title. Now, the team is headed to the state tournament to represent District 7! The 12s state tournament run begins July 13 in Aberdeen.
Manager: Nick Datz
Coaches: Sean McKinney & Stu Widman
Players: Timothy Kime, Elijah Fraser, Gavin Ross, Patrick Bowen, Ben Datz, Cameron Widman, Nathan Shafi, Mason Pfeifle, Henry Corr, Milo Reese, Keanu Ignacio, George Faull, Duncan McKinneyFor the All-Stars Tournament schedule, visit the WSLL website:
westseattlelittleleague.com
Among the upcoming games, the 11s All-Stars play tonight at 6 at Bar-S (64th/Admiral).
Their state-championship season is over and the school year is over, but the West Seattle High School baseball program just racked up more honors. Cindy Lockwood sent the report and photos:
West Seattle coaching staff Dylan McLauchlin, Tyler Haggett, and Mike Fahy, with players Caden Fahy and Tristian Buehring, were invited to coach and play at the 2024 WIAA Baseball All-State Games this past weekend in Yakima.
At an awards banquet highlighting player and coach achievements during the 2024 season, Coach Dylan McLauchlin received the WIAA 3A Coach of the Year Award and player Caden Fahy won the WIAA-3A Player of the Year Award.
Congratulations to Coach Dylan and Caden.
WS Players also invited to the All-State Games but unable to attend were Miles Chandler, Bobby Trigg, Matthew Henning.
WSHS won the state 3A championship May 25 in Pasco, beating Mount Vernon, as reported here.
Pickleball on the Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex courts west of Southwest Pool isn’t a rare sight, but Saturday’s activity was more extensive than usual – the Westside Pickleball League was hosting its second annual Rally on the Rock tournament. Rosina Geary and Amy Greger from the WPL were tournament directors, managing to keep things running with about 160 players participating, including a few from Canada.
Every so often, they had to wrangle winning teams for medal presentations and photos:
We happened to be on hand for that group getting their medals – Max Brockman, Spencer Klein, Eric Kim, James Lee, Zachary Wagnild, and Shane Silkey. The league routinely raises money for student athletics, as we noted when we reported on its formation a year and a half ago – and the Rally on the Rock tournament was for Chief Sealth International High School Cross Country – some students from the team helped out as runners during the tournament, ferrying scoresheets around among other things.
ADDED: Amy sent a few stats – by tournament’s end, they had 182 players – 58 percent men, 42 percent women, ages ranging from 20s to 80s, with the biggest demographic group in their 30s.
(Photos courtesy Southside Revolution)
Following up on this report about their planned trip for national competition, we have an update from junior roller-derby organization Southside Revolution on how things went and what’s next, sent by Andrew McCarty:
This past weekend, the Southside Revolution Rebels, our local junior roller derby travel team, spent 3 days in Denver to compete against 5 other teams at the Junior Roller Derby Association playoffs. After a long weekend, competing in two challenging games against Rome Junior Roller Derby (Rome, GA) and FoCo Junior Roller Derby (Denver, CO), Rebels came in second place after an unfortunate loss to FoCo ending off the 10th season of Southside Revolution with an 13-3 season record.
(Southside Revolution [black and green] vs Rome [white and gold])
In addition, Southside Revolution will sadly be saying goodbye their two seniors, Fiona Lindsey and TJ Elbert, graduating from Chief Sealth Int’l High School and Garfield High School. They are also known as Silent But Deadly #222 and Fox & Furious #240 on the track. An age-out ceremony was held during the first day of the tournament, congratulating Fiona and TJ along with many other seniors from other competing teams.
Both joining Southside Revolution in 2019, these two seniors have made a major positive impact on the league over the past 5 years and have influenced many of the younger skaters in the league. Southside wishes them the best of luck in their adulthood, and hope they continue their derby career.
Composed of teenage skaters from West Seattle, White Center, Burien, and beyond, SSR makes its home at Southgate Roller Rink in White Center. The league serves 90+ skaters aged 7-18 of any gender identity, with five teams spread across a range of skill levels.
The teams will make an appearance at the West Seattle Grand Parade this year as well. For anyone interested in signups for new skaters to learn about derby at SSR’s September clinics, contact info@southsiderevolution.com
West Seattle Little League‘s regular season is over, and now it’s All-Star competition time. One team – the 12s softball All-Stars – already has a championship. WSLL’s Jackie Borg sent the photo and this update today:
West Seattle Little League is off to a hot start in the District 7 tournament!
West Seattle Little League (WSLL) is sending three baseball teams – one for each division, 10s, 11s, and 12s -and three softball teams – a 10s, 12s, and Juniors (13-14-year-olds) team – to compete in the WA District 7 Little League All-Stars Tournaments.
The 12s softball team was a force with 3 solid wins to take the District 7 Championship and are state-bound!
WSLL is excited to host the 12s and 11’s baseball All-Stars division tournament games at Bar-S (6464 SW Admiral Way). The first games will be a thrilling start to the tournament this weekend, with WSLL 12s vs. Rainier District Little League. The Bar-S Snack Shack will be serving up classic baseball treats and snacks. We warmly invite the West Seattle community to join us at Bar-S and be a part of the cheering crowd, showing our teams the support they deserve!
Around town, you can catch the other WSLL All-Stars teams in play:
-June 28: 11s All-Star baseball tournament begins at Bar-S
-June 28: 10s All-Star baseball district tournament begins at South Highline National LL fields in Normandy Park
-June 29: 10s All-Star softball tournament begins at Rainier PlayfieldsWe will update the website, westseattlelittleleague.com, with standings as often as possible. You can also check out the rosters for all teams.
You can find tournament info here.
Before the school year ended, Madison Middle School celebrated its championship winners during lunchtime on Thursday. Above are members of the district-champion volleyball team, as announced onstage by Madison principal Dr. Robert Gary:
Then it was time to cheer members of Madison’s district-champion boys’ soccer team:
As reported here, both teams won their championships a month ago, both vs. Robert Eagle Staff Middle School.
(Tonight’s sunset, photographed by Carol Ann Joyce)
Summer officially arrives tomorrow afternoon. By Friday night, everybody’s out of school. But if you haven’t totally scheduled the entire summer yet, these four free/low-cost possibilities might be of interest:
FREE ONE-DAY ENVIRONMENTAL CAMP FOR ALL AGES: Puget Soundkeeper sends word of an intergenerational day camp as part of its Salmon and Legacy Debris Project (individual youth or adults, parents with kids, or grandparents with grandkids are all welcome!). This is happening in West Seattle, at Heron’s Nest Outdoor Education Center (4818 Puget Way SW):
Join Puget Soundkeeper for a free, one-day-only intergenerational summer camp on Saturday, July 13th from 10 AM to 4 PM! Come explore the connections between salmon, stormwater, and tires with Puget Soundkeeper and Heron’s Nest!
Some things to look forward to include exploring examples of green stormwater infrastructure; experimenting with DIY stormwater filters; learning about the natural and industrial history of the Duwamish River; and learning to navigate by scent, just like a migrating salmon! Rumor has it we may be making edible Grattix boxes as an afternoon snack! If you are interested, signup will be on a first come, first serve basis. Here is the registration link
WEST SEATTLE HS YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMP: This is also on July 13, 10 am-noon at Hiawatha Playfield (2700 California SW), free to the first 100 kids to register, open to students who will be in K-8 as of this fall.
“Non-contact skills and drills” are promised, with West Seattle HS coaches and players. Here’s the registration form.
SOCCER CAMP: Also at Hiawatha, 10 am-noon this Saturday and Sunday (June 22-23), Dream Wings Youth Soccer Foundation is offering a two-day soccer camp for $10, ages 7-10. Here’s the registration form.
CRIME SOLVERS CAMP: SPD is offering a one-week camp for middle schoolers, July 22-26, noon-5 pm each day, in SODO:
The Relational Policing Innovation Team at the Seattle Police Department, in partnership with the City of Seattle Attorney’s Office and Target, are thrilled to announce our Crime Solvers Youth Camp this summer! Our aim is to educate and inform the campers about the criminal justice system from start to finish through a multitude of different topics and diverse presenters. Throughout the week of programming, we will be walking our campers through an entire case, starting with CSI evidence gathering, teaching about witness/suspect interviewing, trial prep and a mock trial jury, alongside presentations on other safety topics and specialty units.
This unique experience, tailored specifically for Seattle Public Middle School students, aspires to bridge an educational gap between students and the court system to explore a better understanding of our judicial system together! Here is the link to the application.
Here’s the flyer. Registration is open through the end of this month.
Got a prospective soccer player under your roof? Not signed up for fall soccer yet? The West Seattle Soccer Club asked us to share this reminder that now’s the time:
Hey, West Seattle Families!
Founded in 1968, The West Seattle Soccer Club (WSSC) is a recreational soccer club for youth who reside in the southwest neighborhoods of Seattle. All youth ages 5-18 are eligible to play and experience is not required.
As we gear up for the Fall Soccer Season, excitement is booming with well over a thousand players already registered! With the Spring Season wrapping up this weekend, it’s time to ensure that you, your friends, and your neighbors join in too! Registration closes June 30th, so act fast. Whether your child is a seasoned player or just starting out, we’re excited to unveil our Fall Registration and anticipate the adventures ahead.
The Fall Season kicks off September 14th and 15th with seasons spanning 8, 10, or 12 games based on age division.
Secure your child’s spot or learn more at westseattlesoccer.org. Questions? Reach us at wsscboard@gmail.com.
Make this Fall Soccer season unforgettable! Enroll today to see your child thrive on the field, make friends, and create lasting memories. Financial assistance is available for qualified applicants. Don’t miss out – register now!
A local junior-roller-derby team is rolling into national competition this weekend! Thanks to Andrew for sending the report and photo:
Our local junior roller-derby team, Southside Revolution Rebels Travel Team, is heading to Denver this coming weekend (June 15-16) to face some of the best teams in the country in the Junior Roller Derby Association playoffs. Seeded number two in their regional, they have a season record of 10-2 against other teams in the area and the country.
Composed of teenage skaters from West Seattle, White Center, Burien, and beyond, the Rebels travel team is part of the Southside Revolution Junior Roller Derby league. In its 10th year of operation, SSR makes its home at Southgate Roller Rink in White Center. The league serves 90+ skaters aged 7-18 of any gender identity, with five teams spread across a range of skill levels. The Rebels team travels throughout the year to play high-level opponents across the country.
The teams will make an appearance at the West Seattle Grand Parade this year as well. For anyone interested in signups for new skaters to learn about derby at SSR’s September clinics, contact info@southsiderevolution.com
(WSB photo – banner on kiosk at Morgan Junction Park)
We’re counting down to the next major summer event in West Seattle – the Morgan Junction Community Festival, 10 am-2 pm Saturday (June 15) in and around Morgan Junction Park (6413 California SW). Among the festival features will be your next chance to participate in planning the “all-wheels area” that’s on the drawing board for the southwest side of the soon-to-be-expanded park. The Morgan Junction All-Wheels Association has sent their official announcement of what they’re planning as part of the festival:
The Morgan Junction All-Wheels Association (MJAWA) is excited to announce our second community meeting for the Morgan Junction Park expansion.
Hosted at the Morgan Junction Community Festival, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the three skate spot design options from legendary West Seattle-based skatepark builder Grindline, participate in the interactive Skate Like a Girl “MJ Ramp-age,” and be entered to win a skate prize from By and By skate shop or project t-shirt. All community members are invited to vote for their favorite design on-site on Saturday, June 15.
“We are excited to present these design options to the Morgan Junction community,” said Matt Fluegge, CEO of Grindline. “Our goal is to create a space that not only meets the needs of local kids, but also enhances the overall park experience for everyone. The feedback we’ve received has been invaluable, and we’re committed to building a park that the community will be proud of.”
Grindline has incorporated feedback from the first community meeting on April 27, as well as a Seattle Parks and Recreation survey at last year’s Morgan Junction Community Festival.
In addition to the design presentations, Skate Like a Girl will be sponsoring the “MJ Ramp-age” feature. This interactive area will allow attendees to move real ramps around a 1,500 sq ft space, providing a hands-on experience to explore how different park features might feel and flow together.
Kristin Ebeling, executive director of Skate Like a Girl, added, “Skateboarding has the power to transform lives. It is both a physical and creative outlet with the power to build intergenerational community. We are proud to be part of a project that will create an accessible entry point for emerging skaters and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the Morgan Junction neighborhood.”
“Skateboarding teaches perseverance, creativity, and resilience,” said Jason Glover, Chief Sealth International High School teacher and local skateboarder. “I’ve seen firsthand how students who skateboard develop a strong sense of self-confidence and community. It’s more than just a sport; it’s a way for kids to express themselves and build essential life skills.”
Look for MJAWA in Morgan Junction Park during the festival, 10 am-2 pm Saturday. As the week continues, we’ll preview other festival features – entertainment, vendors, activities. (WSB is media sponsor for the festival, which is presented by the Morgan Community Association.)
(File photo of Steve Cox tennis courts, after 2012 renovations)
Given the popularity of racquet sports, we’re mentioning this here as well as on partner site White Center Now: King County Parks says the tennis courts at Steve Cox Memorial Park are closing starting this Wednesday (June 12) through August 20. The announcement says the courts will get some work done including “resurfacing the tennis courts, constructing a new ADA ramp, installation of root barriers, sidewalk repair, and fire lane striping.” It’s been 12 years since the courts got a major overhaul.
Out of the WSB inbox, sent by Malia, who asked us to share this with you:
West Seattle HS is having a night at T-Mobile Park on Wednesday, June 12th. We have a special link to buy tickets at a discounted rate. Here is the poster. We’d love to get the West Seattle community out for this! Deadline to get the tickets is tonight at 10 pm!
The Wednesday game is vs. the Chicago White Sox and starts at 6:40 pm. The M’s currently lead their division by five games!
(WSB photos, video)
They ran, they climbed, they walked, they rocked! More than 700 people – plus friends-and-family cheering sections – converged on Walt Hundley Playfield in High Point today for this year’s Loop the ‘Lupe, a suite of events that fill the field with fun. The first two events of the day sent runners out onto Seattle’s only 5K obstacle course:
The 5K was offered as an option without obstacles, too. And for participants in their golden years, Loop the ‘Lupe offered a short, flat course for the Senior Saunter:
Final race of the day was the Youth Dash; you can find results for all the events by going here. Part of the Loop the ‘Lupe fun is everything happening around the field, like the live music courtesy of West Seattle School of Rock:
Community organizations and businesses supporting this year’s Loop the ‘Lupe included three WSB sponsors – Bryan, Charlie, and Zoe were there from Fitness Together West Seattle in The Junction:
Mark and Jack were there for Lake Washington Physical Therapy-West Seattle on Harbor Ave:
Gene and Michele were at Loop the ‘Lupe on behalf of West Seattle Runner in Admiral:
Part of today’s fun – a memento for Loopers – these medals!
Post-race food and drink was available too:
Race organizer Brian Callanan says the turnout was a bit above last year. Proceeds go toward the extensive social outreach done by Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose parish and school are next to today’s venue.
When we told you a month ago about West Seattle filmmaker Francine Strickwerda‘s award-winning film “Ultimate Citizens“ screening at SIFF, the showings were only scheduled off-peninsula. But now you have a chance to see it at Admiral Theater (2343 California SW) – thanks to a local school team! The screening is 6:30 pm this Wednesday (June 12). It’s organized by Lafayette Elementary‘s first-ever Ultimate Frisbee team, in partnership with the filmmaker. From the announcement:
ULTIMATE CITIZENS is the story of Mr. Jamshid, a Seattle primary school counselor who uses the sport of Ultimate Frisbee to help immigrant and refugee children find belonging on their way to compete in the world’s largest youth tournament. Please join us for a special screening of this inspiring and award-winning documentary, fresh from the Seattle International Film Festival. Filmmaker Q&A to follow the screening. Bring your family, your Ultimate Frisbee team, or your school class! Tickets are $10.
One showing only – buy your ticket(s) by going here.
Congratulations to eight more headed-for-college student-athletes! The report and photo are from West Seattle High School athletic director Corey Sorenson:
We had our Spring Senior Signing Day for West Seattle High School the other day. In photo, left to right:
Marisela Giomi – Competitive Cheer: Northern Arizona University
Carmen Cruz – Women’s Basketball: University of Puget Sound
Aleister Alfstad – Men’s Soccer: Lewis & Clark College
Devon Ghali – Men’s Soccer: Lakeland University
Nate Schiavo – Men’s Basketball: Grays Harbor College
Milo Stover – Men’s Golf: Bellevue College
Sabin Tomlinson – Men’s Baseball: Long Beach City College
John Langen – Men’s Baseball: Wenatchee Valley College
(Photos courtesy Duwamish Rowing Club)
The Duwamish Rowing Club wants you to know it’s relaunching its program for high-school students this summer! From the announcement:
Duwamish Rowing Club is a volunteer-led organization dedicated to providing affordable rowing opportunities on Seattle’s only river. Our organization operates on a site generously donated by a neighbor to introduce rowing to the youth in our community and cultivate a space that fosters discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and enhances personal growth and self-confidence. Our adult rowers support our youth programs by donating time and subsidizing program costs.
During the pandemic, our youth rowing program was temporarily halted. In February 2024, our volunteers relaunched our youth rowing team through a partnership with Rainier Prep Middle School, a charter school a few minutes from our boat house. Throughout winter and spring, a sixteen-week rowing program introduced 16 students to rowing, first through an eight-week on-land coached program utilizing rowing machines at their middle school, followed by another eight-week on-water coached program. Financial support from the George Pocock Rowing Foundation allowed us to hire our new coaches, Lead Youth Coach McKenna Niemer and assistant youth coach Jay Olson. The Washington State Parks Boater Program donated 24 life vests to help us meet our safety requirements to welcome students to not only the Duwamish River, but also to the greater rowing community.
This June, we are shifting our focus to high school athletes, offering a new introductory summer program to get new rowers ready for our fall rowing season.
You can read more of what they’ve done so far and what’s ahead by going here. This flyer has information on two sessions for teens this summer, including dates and costs.
Nine days after winning the state baseball championship in Pasco, West Seattle High School players and coaches basked in applause in their own gym tonight, with family, friends, and fans there to cheer them:
Tonight’s celebration included proclamations – one from one of WSHS’s best-known alums, King County Executive Dow Constantine (Class of 1980), saying “West Seattle couldn’t be more proud to call you their own”:
His proclamation declared today “West Seattle High School Baseball Day” in King County. The city had a proclamation too, brought by District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka:
Saka and Mayor Bruce Harrell proclaimed this “West Seattle High School Baseball Championship Day,” and Saka urged the champs to show gratitude to everyone who’s helped them along the way. That’s exactly what player Caden Fahy did during his turn at the microphone, as well as marveling, “We did it!”
And more gratitude from player Matthew Henning, who declared, “This victory is as much yours as it is ours”:
And a mound of acknowledgments from head coach Dylan Mclauchlin, including warm words for those who had been mentoring his players all the way back in youth baseball:
This was the third consecutive year the Wildcats had reached the final four at the state 3A baseball tournament. As the coach noted, their road to the state championship was an eight-game winning streak, starting with their last regular-season game and continuing through the Metro League and state tournaments.
First the DubSea Fish Sticks … now the Seattle Samurai: Another locally based collegiate baseball team is about to debut. Here’s the announcement we were asked to share with you:
The Seattle Baseball Group, LLC announces a new collegiate summer baseball team based out of West Seattle. The Seattle Samurai has been accepted as an expansion team into the Pacific International League (PIL), where they will be competing in a limited schedule against other PIL teams including games against the popular DubSea Fish Sticks out of White Center. In addition to the current college players on the roster, there are many graduating seniors from our own Washington 3A State Champions West Seattle High School baseball team as they prepare to head off to their college baseball careers in the fall.
“The Seattle Samurai is a much needed organization to provide more opportunities for college baseball players to compete in the Seattle area through the Summer,” said Mark Terao, Seattle Baseball Group, LLC CEO. “Seattle has a large amount of college baseball players that are looking to keep their game fresh during the off-season and the Seattle Samurai will provide them with this opportunity and strive to provide them with a quality experience to help them improve their game.”
The Seattle Samurai roster will be comprised of current college players along with graduating high school seniors committed to play in college this coming fall. Many of the graduating high school players are from our own 2024 Washington 3A State Championship team from West Seattle High School. As an expansion team this first year, the Samurai will be playing a limited schedule but will attempt to get in 14-20 games this summer. The team will be led by experienced coaches starting with their Head Coach Jacob Terao, who just finished up his 2nd year coaching at Hendrix College in Arkansas, along with the assistant coaches Nate Santiago (Centenary College, Bellevue CC, Pierce CC and Edmonds CC) and Ryan Ramsower (Lower Columbia, Utah State [SB] and Maggie Gallagher Baseball for All).
The Seattle Samurai strives to provide a great competitive baseball environment for the Seattle community to come out and enjoy. By establishing itself in the Seattle area they will look for ways to support the local youth in the community. Go Time Athletics Indoor Baseball Facilities, located in Georgetown and West Seattle, will be the home for the Seattle Samurai baseball team. Go Time Athletics is also the home of Washington Baseball Academy with select baseball teams ages 8U-18U.
Seattle Samurai home games will be held at local Seattle baseball fields including Mel Olson Stadium in White Center and a game against the DubSea Fish Sticks at University of Washington Husky Baseball Stadium on July 21st at 5:00pm.
The first game of the season will be June 6th (this Thursday), game start 3:30 pm at Mel Olson Stadium in White Center against the Northwest Honkers.Seattle Samurai home games admission $5, kids 13 and under free. For our complete schedule visit us at www.seattlebaseballgroup.com
So far the schedule includes three games at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex in West Seattle (2801 SW Thistle).
UPDATE: The game scheduled for Thursday in White Center has been postponed.
Just days after the West Seattle High School baseball team won the 3A state championship (WSB coverage here), one of its seniors has received Athlete of the Week honors from the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association. Here’s how WIAA announced it:
CADEN FAHY – WEST SEATTLE BASEBALL (SR)
(Photo by Joe Christian for WSB, from WSHS state semifinal victory over Eastside Catholic)
West Seattle senior Caden Fahy earned first-team All-Metro League honors this past week. Fahy helped the Wildcats win the Metro Championship and come out victorious in their first two games of the 3A State Baseball Championships. Over the past three games, throughout the Metro Championship and two games at State, Fahy had 11 at-bats, coming away with two singles, four doubles, and four runs. He also took the mound at the end of his last game, earning a save and helping his team move on to the 3A Semifinal game.
The Wildcats went on to win that game and last Saturday’s championship game vs. Mount Vernon. As noted here earlier this week, a community celebration for the champs is planned Monday (June 3), 5 pm, at the WSHS gym (3000 California SW).
(October 2023 WSB photo of Lincoln Park ex-site)
One week after Seattle Parks announced it had ditched the plan for converting former tennis courts in Lincoln Park to pickleball courts, it’s out with a citywide update on pickleball and tennis, including a reiteration of its Lincoln Park intentions, and a bit about Solstice Park (both of which we’ve boldfaced below for emphasis):
Seattle Parks and Recreation is excited to announce several developments based on the 2022 Outdoor Pickleball Study and the recent 2024 SPR Pickleball and Tennis Vision presented to the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners …
… First and foremost, SPR is announcing the establishment of two sport-specific hubs: Green Lake Park (East Courts) will be a dedicated pickleball hub, and Lower Woodland Park (Lower Courts) will be a dedicated tennis hub! These two locations are excellent models for the start of sport-specific hubs in the city. SPR will use these models to pilot new initiatives as we refine the “hub specific” model for implementation elsewhere.
Additionally, the Belltown Pickleball Courts at the intersection of 5th Ave. and Taylor Ave. are now conducting a “Quiet-Paddles” only pilot. Players must use their own paddles – or check out a loaner paddle from nearby businesses – that meets criteria for Quiet-Category paddles certified by USA Pickleball. These products deliver essentially 50 percent or less of the acoustic footprint of equipment commonly used in the play of pickleball.
SPR is moving forward with new outdoor court capital development. This summer SPR will be resurfacing and restriping the tennis courts at David Rodgers Park tennis courts, Amy Yee Tennis Center outdoor courts, and, if budget allows half the tennis courts at Solstice Park (with the other half planned for resurfacing in 2025). Additionally, we will be adding noise-reducing fence technology to the courts located at Miller Park and Laurelhurst Park to mitigate noise associated with pickleball play.
SPR will not be pursuing the proposed pickleball courts at Lincoln Park. The fence surrounding the existing court slab will be removed and the area will remain “undeveloped” until a more suitable site can be identified and agreed on by community members.
SPR has launched a new online engagement hub at Project: Racquet & Paddle Sports (seattleparksandrec.com) which will be a one-stop shop for all racquet and paddle sports in the City. The community who visit the online hub may engage with planning efforts, connect with other community members, get updates about planned events, and provide feedback on SPR’s efforts to improve and increase all racquet and paddle sports courts and programs.
Lastly, SPR is working through re-vamping the online reservation system and the “Rules of the Court” at all facilities to simplify and clarify when and how the courts are used for the sports of pickleball or tennis. Look for changes coming to the online system, as well as new signs and banners posted at courts over the next few months.
We’re seeking comment from Parks on one followup point – whether the old slab at Lincoln Park will stay or go. As for Solstice Park, it was originally scheduled for resurfacing and restriping last year – and after we learned and reported the plan to add pickleball striping, the now-scrapped Lincoln Park pickleball alternative emerged.
(Saturday photo by Joe Christian for WSB)
In case you missed the holiday weekend’s biggest story – the West Seattle High School baseball team won the state championship on Saturday night (WSB coverage here). The game was played in Pasco, so not many West Seattle fans could be there to cheer for them, but you’ll get a chance to help celebrate the championship – WSHS athletic director Corey Sorenson tells WSB the date is set for a community celebration, 5 pm in the school gym next Monday (June 3). Stand by for more details.
(Added: Photos by Joe Christian for WSB)
9:34 PM: The West Seattle High School Wildcats are the state 3A baseball champions! The Wildcats roared out to a big lead over Mount Vernon HS early – six runs in the top of the 1st inning – and went on to victory, 9-3, playing in Pasco. This caps a sterling season in which WSHS also won the Metro League championship. Full story and photos to come!
ADDED 3:10 AM: The trophy-hoisting celebration on the field was three years in the making. In the team’s third consecutive year of reaching the state’s final four – every year Dylan Mclauchlin‘s been head coach – they finally made it all the way to the top. And from the opening moments of the game, it was never in doubt that it would end up that way.
Thr Wildcats were up 6-0 on four hits and five walks before the Bulldogs even came up to bat; among those with RBIs in the first inning was winning pitcher #17 Matthew Henning:
He struck out five and yielded only two runs and four hits over five and two-thirds innings. Meantime, West Seattle hitters were relentless, and piled up a 9-2 lead before Henning made way for #9 Sam Waskowitz in the sixth. He gave up one run in the seventh before closing out the biggest victory in West Seattle High School baseball history.
#2 Bobby Trigg had one of the hottest bats of the night, going 2 for 4 – both doubles – with 1 RBI, and scoring twice, including the ninth and final WSHS run in the third, on a single by #24 Lukas Cheha, who went 3 for 3.
#13 Parker Eley had 2 RBI on a second-inning double; seven other Wildcats had one each.
Now it’s time for the trip home with the trophy.
This was WSHS’s first appearance in the title game since May 25, 2013, exactly 11 years to the day before this win resulted in the school’s first-ever state baseball championship.
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