Funding for the City of Edmonds to acquire Edmonds School District-owned Civic Center Field and renovation of the Edmonds Pier are included in the 2015 Capital Budget proposed Wednesday by the Washington State Senate, according to an announcement from 21st District Sen. Marko Liias. The budget also would play for renovation of Meadowdale Playfield in Lynnwood.
The school district has expressed an interest in selling the Civic Center Field property at 250 6th Ave. N., which the city has leased for recreational purposes since 1977. The lease, which expires in February 2021, gives the City of Edmonds the right of first refusal.
“Our growing communities face an ongoing need for more recreational outlets,” Liias said. “These are the kinds of projects that will make sure we have the facilities to ensure we continue to enjoy the best aspects of our incredible state and region.”
In addition, the budget would fund the Shin Center, a new Mukilteo Boys & Girls club named in honor of the 21 District’s long-serving former senator. The 25,000-square-foot facility at Harbour Pointe would feature two gymnasiums, two ball fields, a state-of-the-art teen center, a technology center and an undersea exploration center.
“It is fitting that this center be named for Sen. Shin, because this center will do much for the people of Mukilteo just as Sen. Shin did so much for the people of Mukilteo in his long and proud career of public service,” said Liias, who now fills the seat that Shin held prior to his resignation in 2014.
This is really great news. The civic field has a market value of millions. One report based on comparable land value placed its value at $7-11 million. (I would guess the city, the school district, or the Senate have a much more accurate better number.) If this is approved the School District will get much needed money for the capital fund, Edmonds will get new park land, and state tax dollars will pay for it. Good example of get some of our tax dollars paid by Edmonds residences to flow back to Edmonds. One downside is this same parcel if added to the tax base would reduce the pressure to raise property taxes.