Seattle Volleyball Community Secures permanent Courts After Collaborative Effort
SEATTLE, WA – The vibrant Seattle volleyball scene has officially secured permanent, public courts, marking a notable victory for local enthusiasts. This achievement comes after a concerted effort by the community, working in partnership with the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department, to address long-standing needs and improve existing facilities.
The push for dedicated volleyball courts gained momentum earlier this year, culminating in a accomplished collaboration that has seen the installation of permanent structures. This development is particularly noteworthy as challenge courts, a common practice in other states like New York and California, are a new concept for Seattle. Challenge courts operate on a system where the winning team stays on the court, with new players joining the line to challenge the victors.
The initiative involved extensive community engagement, including a town hall meeting and a successful change.org petition. According to Lisa Nielsen, Athletic and Event Scheduling Manager with Seattle Parks and Recreation, the project was completed at a cost of approximately $900, funded through reservations for other, non-permanent courts. Nielsen expressed her positive surprise at the department’s ability to implement changes, noting that manny older players had expressed skepticism about the Parks Department’s responsiveness. “For many of us, it was our first time working with them, but they’ve been with us every step of the way,” she stated.
Beyond the permanent courts, the community’s efforts have also led to several other facility upgrades.These include updating volleyball poles to accommodate men’s, women’s, and co-ed play, leveling the sand around the courts, and ensuring the alki showers were turned on earlier in the season (April, rather of the usual late May or June). Additionally, restroom maintenance has been increased.
The community’s advocacy is not stopping here. Future plans include the establishment of a community tool shed equipped with sifters and rakes to maintain court safety,and also the addition of more poles and sand.”Ultimately,” a community representative shared,”the larger Seattle volleyball community is a lot of people,from a lot of diverse backgrounds,but everyone is united by wanting to play this sport. This is an prospect for more public athletic spaces with the community.”
