LETTER: Kennedy Catholic High School presents their case about athletic field

[EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a Letter to the Editor, written by a Reader. It does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The B-Town Blog nor its staff:]

Kennedy Catholic has submitted a land use permit application to the City of Burien for Phase Two of our Athletic Complex renovations and expansion.

Project Background:
Last fall we finalized Phase One of the Athletic Complex with the installation of a turfed multi-use athletic field, structures for track and field events, press boxes, and fencing. Also during Phase One, a complex underground drainage system and the infrastructure and utilities for future development was completed. The field was used for spring lacrosse, soccer, track and field practices and contests and fitness classes during the school day.

Future Phases:
Beginning next summer, plans are in development to continue the next phase of the athletic campus. These plans include permanent stadium bleacher seating for 1200 fans, a permanent digital scoreboard, a field house to include restrooms, concessions, ticket sales, meeting space, tennis courts, a new track, field lighting and sound system, landscaping, improvements to the baseball field, among other minor enhancements. These projects will be completed in 2 additional phases over the course of multiple years.

Permit Application:
In early June, our team of architects and engineers submitted a land use permit to the City of Burien. This permit would allow the above-mentioned projects to move forward and would grant permission for home football games this fall with temporary seating, concessions and restrooms. The application was approved by the City and has moved to the public comment phase.

This is among the first major campus renovation projects for the school in nearly 50 years. Access to a true ‘home’ facility promotes school spirit and overall pride in the local community and we are excited to finally be embarking on this new phase. This project has been the vision of the school and the dream of many for years. Kennedy Catholic High School has been serving the Burien and surrounding community since 1966.

The Athletic Campus improvements are greatly needed to accommodate the increased demand for practice and contest time at the high school level. There are very few fields in our area that are available for high school use. Those that are rented are often over used which makes rental time and coordination difficult.

A new field will invigorate the neighborhood, Burien and surrounding community and has the potential to provide an invaluable community resource. We believe that the athletic field will expand the opportunity to facilitate games and events that foster support and recognition of youth and their families. The proposed enhancements would also benefit Burien and the overall community with an improved traffic and parking plan, landscaping, and aesthetics. We believe that local businesses and restaurants will benefit from spectator commerce and travel to Burien.

In addition, participation in high school athletics promotes healthy lifestyles, keeps students safe and school focused, and requires academic success for participation. Studies show that students involved in athletic programs are more inclined to excel in the classroom and more likely to make wise, safe decisions in their social lives. The coaches and staff at Kennedy Catholic are excellent role models to their teams and they care deeply for each and every student athlete.

Kennedy Catholic has a rich history in the Burien and surrounding community and athletics has played a key part in that tradition. We are proud to be part of this community and we are excited to continue to offer a high-quality Catholic education within modern facilities to all those who seek it.

Sincerely,
Mike Prato
President
Kennedy Catholic High School

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