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Council to consider Rave Foundation donation for futsal court at Siebenthaler Park
Summary
Community services staff presented a donation offer from the Rave Foundation (the Seattle Sounders’ charitable arm) to install a futsal court at Siebenthaler Park. The donation and a related resolution will come to the council as new business on July 7; the foundation is planning an August 22 community event tied to the installation.
At the June 23 study session, Community Services Manager Derek Berry briefed the Sumner City Council on a proposed donation from the Rave Foundation — the charitable arm of Seattle Sounders FC — to create a futsal court at Siebenthaler Park. Council is scheduled to consider formal acceptance of the donation under Resolution 17-24 at its July 7 meeting.
The Rave Foundation’s ‘‘26 by 2026’’ initiative aims to fund small fields and community soccer facilities ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Berry said the plan for Siebenthaler Park would convert the north half of the existing north/south basketball court into an exclusive futsal court while leaving the south-end basketball court in place. Planned improvements include resurfacing, fencing (6–7 feet on the long sides and lower fencing at the short ends), a third practice goal for children, and minor concrete pads to support the new court surface. Berry said the surfacing contractor reported the existing concrete is in good condition, which should speed construction.
Berry said the facility would be open to the public at all park hours and Rave requires the site remain generally available rather than reserved for clubs or exclusive programming. The foundation typically provides equipment and community programming; Berry said past Rave events have included ball distribution, coaching visits and family-focused celebrations. The city plans an all-day community event for Aug. 22 from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. to mark the opening and programming; Berry said the foundation often brings soccer balls for neighborhood children and food trucks for the event.
Berry noted program details: leagues or private groups will not be able to reserve the court as an exclusive facility under the current Rave model, and there are no plans for permanent lighting. Berry told the council the donation and work were on track to be completed this summer. He also noted that the donation acceptance will return to the council for a formal vote July 7 as a new-business item.
Council members asked about use, nearby facilities and related programming tied to the World Cup; Berry said schools and neighborhood children have used similar installations informally and that the Rave Foundation often provides ongoing outreach and programming at completed sites. Berry did not provide a dollar amount for the donation during the study session.
No formal acceptance occurred during the study session. Staff said the council will consider Resolution 17-24 on July 7 and that the parks team is coordinating construction and a community-opening event for August.
