Earlier this week, the Council's Parks and Seattle Center Committee voted to recommend two public-private partnerships to the full Council to repair and renovate former U. S. Navy structures at the north end of Magnuson Park in northeast Seattle.
One partnership will allow Arena Sports to renovate Hanger 27 for use as a sports facility and for community meetings. The other partnership will allow repair and renovation of Building 11 (adjacent to Hanger 27) to house Sail Sand Point, other water-related activities, small restaurants, and limited office space. The partnerships guarantee continued public access to the north shore of Lake Washington and provide several public benefits, including youth athletic scholarships and public meeting space. But the greatest public benefit is renovation of the two buildings which otherwise would be boarded up or torn down.
I strongly support this type of public-private partnership because it allows the city to accomplish what we otherwise couldn't because of limited funds. These partnerships serve the common good by allowing thousands of individuals and families to engage in water-related activities, play indoor sports like soccer and lacrosse year-around or just enjoy a walk along the beach. These partnerships are pro-park, pro-family, and reflect wise stewardship. They will ensure that these facilities can continue to be used for community and recreational use.
The full Council will vote on both of these public-private partnerships next Monday or on October 6.
