LOWMAN BEACH: Tennis court’s replacement could host more than racket sports

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | WS & Sports

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

When the crumbling seawall is removed at Lowman Beach Park, the tennis court that’s a few steps east of it will be taken out too.

But a community effort to replace it elsewhere in the park is proceeding – and the big question, as discussed at an online meeting Wednesday night, is what exactly that replacement could/should offer – maybe more than racket sports.

More than 40 people attended.

The community proponent is Lisa Corbin from the Seattle Sports Complex Foundation, a nonprofit founded three years ago. She said the basic goal is “to maintain a racket court at the park.” Her organization obtained a $25,000 city grant to design a new court there, and they hired HBB for the schematic design. They’re working with two city departments, Parks and Neighborhoods.

HBB’s Aaron Luoma, the project manager (and a West Seattleite), facilitated the meeting. HBB’s Rachel Dotson is also working on the design. Luoma detailed four project goals:

“We’re not thinking just tennis, necessarily,” Luoma stressed. They hope to have a final schematic design by year’s end, after developing “two or three” concepts and presenting them to the community by mid-autumn.

Important point: There’s no funding yet for full design or development/construction, but this process is a first step toward more grants that could cover those costs.

For context, Parks’ Pamela Kliment presented the latest on the seawall-removal project: It should reach full design next month (see the “90 percent design here); local, state, and federal permits are still being awaited; they’re hoping to put the project out to bid, and start construction, this fall.

Luoma noted that the seawall-removal plan will lead to the daylighting of Pelly Creek. He also noted some of the existing park features that need to be taken into consideration – the stormwater system underground, the trees, the swing set.

A full-size court would be a “tight fit” in the grassy open space they referred to as the “opportunity area.”

The court could have many options – tennis only, pickleball only, combined, or one with markings for striping to play other games – foursquare, hopscotch, shuffleboard – or one with a “trike track” for little kids.

But a court anywhere near full-size would encroach on the existing swing set, Luoma noted. So other amenities could include swings, elsewhere in the park (this was reinforced in the Q/A period, which led to the observation that the current swing area isn’t ADA accessible anyway).

Q&A/COMMENTS: Several people asked about the health of the Lowman trees. No official arborist report on that so far, Luoma replied, but added that they were surveyed for the shoreline-restoration project and “they appear healthy … no significant issues or diseases that we’re aware of.” Would bocce ball be playable on a court? He said probably not but it could be something another part of the park is designed for. Could the design maintain Lowman’s “rustic” look – wood, gravel? Luoma said they’ll “follow through with that … we definitely want to keep that in mind, if this park’s aesthetic is more natural and rustic.” But gravel is probably out, as some surfaces need to be paved for ADA accessibility, he added. What about board/kayak storage? Parks doesn’t have a system for permanent locked storage but they could look at some kind of temporary storage if there’s a demand for it. Picnicking? The expanded beach from the seawall removal, for starters, will provide more room for that. Also, another question/response indicated that adding picnic tables would be a possibility. Couldn’t nearby parks’ courts be refurbished instead of building a new one here? Historically there’s a lot of built-up community attachment to having a court at Lowman, but they’re open to other feedback. Would putting the court in the “opportunity area” (which is sloped) require “serious grading”? Possibly, Luoma said.

SURVEY: Whether or not you were at the meeting, you are invited to share ideas and comments via a survey that’s now open at this link. It’s expected to stay open for about two weeks.

TIMELINE: Next step is a mid-autumn meeting at which “concepts” will be presented. Since there’s no funding yet, there’s no timeline for construction; the existing court will be removed along with the seawall when that project gets going.

craig August 28, 2020 (12:21 pm)

What’s wrong with the tennis courts a few blocks away?

Michael August 28, 2020 (1:12 pm)

They’re up a hill and in a different park. Lowman Beach has historically had a tennis court so the idea is to preserve that feature.
The King August 28, 2020 (11:15 pm)

Careful, careful now Craig, you keep that up someone will put you on the independent thought report list. It’s for those of us who were here before they handed out a pamphlet telling you how you must vote, talk and think in general.
stuart hanney August 29, 2020 (6:19 am)

I love the idea of a combined tennis court pickle ball court for this site certainly don’t want to see any of the current amenities disappear actually would be quite happy just to leave it how it is. Gonna make such a mess when the ‘boys’ move in with their diggers and stuff.
Meyer August 29, 2020 (7:30 am)

They are often full. They don’t have a view of the water. They aren’t as private. They have more car noise. There are 3 in each bunch of fences so balls frequently roll into your court. The list goes on.

A-Red August 28, 2020 (12:52 pm)

This ‘Existing Conditions’ graphic should also highlight the bushes and label it ‘Restroom,’ since that’s where beachgoers pee.Despite community input, the city missed an opportunity to put in a restroom when they built the sewage pump station.

Ryan August 28, 2020 (12:54 pm)

Bocce Ball courts!

Joseph August 28, 2020 (1:02 pm)

Why does can’t a small park just be serene open space instead of crammed with sports courts and swingsets? There’s already a tennis court and swingset there. That’s more than enough. I’m surprised they don’t want to wedge in a skateboard park, jungle gym, zipline, climbing wall, boat ramp, and tether ball poles. Then the city officials can just close the entire park down for COVID instead of just the swings and court.

J August 28, 2020 (4:38 pm)

I agree. I love how calm lowman is. Very peaceful alternative to the bustle of alki and Lincoln park
Alki resident August 28, 2020 (5:17 pm)

Why so dramatic? God forbid we add a bit to Lowman.
- Anne August 28, 2020 (7:03 pm)
  
  Because this Lowman doesn’t need adding to-that’s why.I encourage as much drama as it takes to let it stay the beautiful serene open space it is.
oakley34 August 28, 2020 (8:08 pm)

Totally agree. Raze the court and leave that park OPEN space.

Donita August 28, 2020 (1:57 pm)

I was a member of the advisory committee that worked very hard to save Lowman Beach Park from housing the stormwater detention facility that is now across the street. The tank was placed there because we believed in the importance of not just the tennis court, but the value of the green space and trees. The “opportunity” area scares me – more hard surface is not what this community wants or needs. Who gave Seattle Sports Complex authority to redesign the whole park, and how can they do that without a process that includes all stakeholders – beyond sending out a questionnaire.

mok4315 August 28, 2020 (6:53 pm)

Couldn’t agree more. I run past Lowman every morning, and always appreciate how simple and quiet it is. There are always families with kids sitting on the grass or using the swings. Sure the tennis court is a bit run down, but do we really want a state of the art court at Lowman? I’m hoping with COVID and lack of funding, they’ll just kick this can down the road for a while. That park in the Morgan Junction though…I wish they’d prioritize that first.
- Azimuth August 29, 2020 (6:21 pm)
  
  Hadn’t thought about that space by the Morgan Junction. Maybe some tennis and pickle ball courts in that space would make more sense than Lowman, as much as I like the concept of a court by the water as a unique amenity.
- Reacher August 30, 2020 (11:27 am)
  
  I agree Donita, Oakley34, Mok4315 and J. Lower upkeep cost for open space. Parks can’t even mow the lawn.
- topspin August 30, 2020 (9:00 pm)
  
  We need to embrace the fact that we can make this park better. Change will happen, so let’s create the change we want in our community. This tennis court offers a wonderful amenity. There is not another court like this in Seattle.
Charles August 28, 2020 (10:09 pm)

Firstly I would like to thank you for your efforts to prevent the waste station from disturbing Lowman Beach Park. However, had you read the above post more carefully you would see that the Seattle Sports Complex is only trying to ensure the current amenities remain at the park, not add more court space, Seattle Parks and Rec wanted to remove the court. Secondly, the new opportunity area allows for a far more open area than where the court is currently located as it needs the sea wall for support and thus cuts of a large section of beach access. If the courts are moved that will allow for a much greater amount of open beach access.
- Donita August 28, 2020 (11:55 pm)
  
  Thanks. And, I did read the report. I support replacing the court with the same footprint in its current location. I do not support expanding it or relocating it. If it doesn’t work in the current location then I would rather see it gone. And I am most concerned that one user group has been authorized to redesign the park for its own needs. After everything it took to save this space, what is Parks thinking?

Kent August 28, 2020 (4:05 pm)

I second that key question: what’s wrong with using the 6 tennis courts up the hill 1,500 feet away. If there was no place to play tennis nearby I’d agree that the space was needed for tennis, but considering there is a large and nearly always available place close, and that the Lowman Beach park is not frequently used currently for tennis matches I’d say there is not a demand or collective need by the majority of the users of the space to warrant replacing them. The space is used by beach goers, walkers, and people enjoying the beautiful views, so the priority of the space should be that – not ‘how do we squeeze in another court that isn’t used much’. I’d suggest places for those people that want to enjoy the park so picnic tables, paths to the water, benches, etc. Going on out on a limb, I’d like to see a fitness station there of pull up bars, dips station, things adults could work out on and kids could play on. They’ve been successful at Hiawatha, and could be here too.

Charlie August 28, 2020 (10:28 pm)

The courts at Lincoln are used by multiple local high schools (yes all six are reserved for the schools). The court inside of Lincoln park has been repurposed by parks and rec as a place to store wood chips and heavy machinery. If we continue to allow courts to be removed we will soon see courts overcrowded. On another note, during these especially trying times of the pandemic it makes very little sense to add amenities such as workout equipment that would greatly increase the risk of spread disease from touching contaminated surfaces. Court space on the other hand allows for an increased variety of distanced activities that multiple people can enjoy at once. And if placed in the new specified area the court would take up considerably less space from the beachfront and allow for a more open feeling area. Where the court is currently located is inopportune as it requires the sea wall for support which greatly reduces real estate of the beach.

Matt P August 28, 2020 (4:14 pm)

Do not agree that this is an opportunity area at all. There is a lack of wide open spaces in West Seattle – a lot of parks are tree covered – which is great, but wide open spaces are critical at the moment for social distancing.

mok4315 August 28, 2020 (6:56 pm)

Great point, Matt.

Jared August 28, 2020 (5:35 pm)

I also prefer to keep this a natural area for access and enjoyment of the Salish Sea. I like both tennis and pickleball, but neither really needs to be there to be fun. This is one of the rare opportunities to preserve a piece of our natural shoreline and adjoining land. Not much of that left, let’s please not pave it all. Joni Mitchell told us so.

Charlie August 28, 2020 (10:38 pm)

The purpose of the redesign is actually to help increase the amount of natural shoreline for indigenous species to have more habitat. Where the court is currently located requires a sea wall for support. Relocation of the court would allow for both people to enjoy recreational sports and feel good about providing a better habitat for wildlife, all while adding more open space for park goers. I hope you will reconsider and support court relocation instead of removal.
Kathy August 29, 2020 (12:12 am)

Au contraire, there is a lot of natural shoreline just south of Lowman Beach in Lincoln Park. What we don’t have a lot of is recreational equipment and sports courts next to the spectacular view of Puget Sound and the Olympics with fresh breezes and the sound of lapping waves.
- Dustin August 30, 2020 (9:19 am)
  
  Charlie, why relocate the tennis court within the park when it loses its view either way? There are many ways the tennis court shortage in Seattle (assuming one exists, based on the comments here) could be resolved without using space at a small beachfront park, and providing free tennis court access to all residents is hardly a priority (or even a responsibility) of our Parks Dept. The existing court is serene, simple and has a certain charm, which it would lose if relocated. I’m taking the side expressed by Donita – retain, replace as is, or remove. Lowman is a local treasure and doesn’t need to be transformed.

Ken August 28, 2020 (6:18 pm)

I don’t see why tennis is the priority for this small park that’s primarily used by people enjoying the access to the beach, and Lincoln Park walkers/runners. If someone wants to play tennis (lovely sport) there are 6 beautiful and large courts 1,500 feet up the hill and with more parking and public transit. The daylighting of the creek will transform this park back toward a natural space than it was, and that is what should guide it’s landscape design. Of course, paths and facilities to help users enjoy it are critical, but no need to pave it over with 2.0 of something that isn’t getting used much now, and doesn’t even fit the space to begin with. Let the park be natural.

mnw August 28, 2020 (8:06 pm)

The tennis court detracts from the view at this park IMO. I would prefer it not be replaced. Keep it a green space and add some picnic tables and walking paths. Looking forward to the expanded beach area!

Jennifer McIntosh August 28, 2020 (9:39 pm)

The tennis court at Lowman has been in the park since 1936 and is a staple of this beautiful and serene park. This tennis court is extra special because it gives the public an open and free court with a water view. I can only think of 2 others. The Seattle Tennis Club which is an expensive, exclusive club 11 miles from my home and Seward Park, which is 10 miles and full. We have a chance to save the court and open it up to another sport, such as pickle ball (which was invented right here in WA and has national appeal). The courts up the street are often busy when I go and I either have to wait, or drive elsewhere to play. There is a huge community of tennis players (and pickle ball) and there tends to be more demand than there is court availability. As an avid tennis fan, I would absolutely love to see the court saved and the rest be natural and open. We are so incredibly lucky to have this court with a view. If we don’t work to save it now, it will be lost forever. Social distancing is very important and we are lucky to have Lincoln Park just up the road. It too has a beach and 135 acres that support open fields, play structures with swings, a pool, a beach, picnic shelters, forest and parking lots. This can also be done at Lowman in the open space next to the court.

Schmitz Park Dad August 28, 2020 (10:20 pm)

The folks at Seattle Sports Complex Foundation are a small group of tennis enthusiast who are attempting bringing more desperately needed tennis courts to Seattle. It is a non-profit organization that is passionate about promoting tennis in Seattle, as well as women’s basketball. Kudos to this group for applying for and receiving a $25,000 grant to help offset the costs of redeveloping the tennis court at Lowman Beach.

I am also a tennis local enthusiast who would be very sad to lose a single tennis court in West Seattle. Every 6 months a new 300-unit apartment complex is developed in West Seattle, adding to our local population. The West Seattle population has grown dramatically over the past 10 years, while no new tennis courts have been added. At the same time, the sport of pickle ball has taken off in a big way. The limited number of tennis courts that we have in West Seattle are now shared with numerous new multifamily residents and new pickle ball players. The request to keep the Lowman Park tennis courts is in no way unreasonable. It is simply a request to keep what we have and help handle the added demand for tennis / pickle ball courts, supported by a $25,000 grant to help offset some costs.

Matt P August 29, 2020 (1:12 pm)

Are they desperately needed? I’d like to see real research showing that the tennis courts just up the street at are capacity so this needs a court too. What is more likely is people don’t want to lose this court because of its view. But when you have a space that’s of limited use, then only part of the population gets to enjoy the space. The same with our massive golf course taking up a huge chunk of public space here in West Seattle. Yes, a lot of golfers use it, but the majority of the residents don’t golf, so they don’t get to enjoy the space.

Sofia August 28, 2020 (10:27 pm)

I think that Lowman has enough space for everyone, rebuilding the tennis courts is gonna get our community more active. I’ve gone down there many time (especially on nice days) there is always somebody there playing tennis. Taking away the tennis courts is taking away access from a whole community.You guys realize that tennis has a whole community backing it right? Personally, making Lowman All grass and picnic tables is making Lowman a Lincoln park, and I want Lowman to stay Lowman.

Barbara August 28, 2020 (10:59 pm)

I also love the calm of this little park that is far enough away from the heavy traffic to and from Lincoln Park to enjoy the view in peace and quiet. Especially with the day lighting of Pelly Creek, the focus should be on natural plantings that shade the creek for the wildlife it supports including suitable habitat for wetland wildlife, birds, butterflies, and bees. Please stop paving over paradise!

Kathy August 28, 2020 (11:40 pm)

I don’t think the presence of the tennis court detracts at all from the charm of this park. In fact it has been there so many years it is part of its history and the park would seem strange if it were removed from its location with the astounding view. This is just the view of an old person who has been visiting the park for many years. Maybe the younger generation is more into recreating what they immagine the spot would have looked like before current memory and don’t perceive anything special about having a court here as an opportunity to participate in a romantic sport in a dramatic location. I don’t play tennis much any more and don’t see many people using the courts, so maybe a court that is more multi-purpose would get more use.

MK August 28, 2020 (11:51 pm)

I love the idea of keeping a tennis court at Lowman Beach. My kids’ great-grandparents used to play at this court all through their lives and I would love for my kids have the same experience as their great-grands!

Kw August 29, 2020 (12:57 pm)

I like it because it is simple and has space to accommodate different uses.It is important to protect access to the water for those bringing boards etc to float on and for people to put ties in the water and sit and watch the sunset. Grass, trees etc. thanks for asking for input!!

Murph August 29, 2020 (2:46 pm)

The old tennis court needs to be removed in order to naturalize Pelly Creek and the beach area. My concern is that a tennis court placed further east would be close to the Beach Drive sidewalk and would require a wire fence to protect the passersby on the sidewalk. This would ruin the view in this great little park. My preference would be to remove the tennis court from the park and enlarge the children’s play area, with the addition of picnic tables. If we have to have a tennis court let’s keep the the colors green or brown in keeping with a naturalized park area. No garish colors please!

WP August 29, 2020 (4:33 pm)

This is about replacing something that is already there, and why not provide an amenity that appeals to people of all ages? Tennis is a free lifelong sport that provides community and exercise for people from toddler age to retirement age and beyond. It would be wonderful to have a park that provides access to both nature and safe social interaction!

Neighbor August 29, 2020 (5:25 pm)

I really hope Lowman Beach fans will come together during this very divisive time so we can all be happy with the outcome. I believe there will be a way to have open space, a court, swings and bench. That’s what’s there now. We shouldn’t have to lose a much loved and appreciated amenity. Be positive! Let’s work together.

PatWS August 29, 2020 (6:51 pm)

I agree that Lowman should be kept as natural as possible. I live near there and go to the park frequently. In summer, the courts are in use about half the time I’m there. In all of the other three seasons, there’s almost never anyone using the court, even on nice days.

However, in that upper area that’s now lawn, there are frequently people playing Frisbee and catch and other simple activities. This lawn is used by people of all ages and abilities, from children to the elderly. That area should be maintained for these uses after naturalization of the creek, rather than being turned into an impermeable surface usable only by a small subset of the local population (racket players) for only a small portion of the year, sitting there unused and unbeautiful the rest of the time.

Why not recover the existing tennis courts in Lincoln Park, which are now covered by mulch and park equipment? The view from there is lovely, it fulfills a “traditional” use, and it’s an easy walk from the Lowman area. Keep Lowman quiet and natural.

Monica Lundberg August 29, 2020 (9:44 pm)

I forgot about the old tennis courts in Lincoln Park! That’s a great idea to put funds into restoring them and perhaps pickleball too.

Monica Lundberg August 29, 2020 (9:39 pm)

I love the open, natural space at Lowman! I feel the area is too small for a new tennis court and would alter the feeling of our special park after the creek and beach open up. I’m a racket enthusiast myself but would rather go elsewhere to play. ( I would vote for an outdoor pingpong table across the street and pickleball at the Morgan Park or next to tennis courts, north-end on Fauntleroy.) l LOVE the idea of temporary summer kayak storage for the average modest boater, but I’m sure there would be a big demand so unsure how that would be managed.

Reacher August 31, 2020 (9:58 am)

@PATWS 25k could go a long ways to redo Lincoln Park Tennis Court. And there is a larger parking, possible bathroom and lights.

For less change August 31, 2020 (6:02 pm)

The park has always had a court and the growing population of WS supports maintaining this court. It is not adding a court. In my opinion, presenting a forum for an activity, like tennis, pickleball etc. will see far more use and provide far more community benefit than increasing the visual setting for the park neighbors.

Sorry, comment time is over.