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Pennington Foundation funds two girls’ softball fields in South Valleys Park phase 2
Summary
A privately funded phase of South Valleys Park would add two girls’ softball fields, parking and a restroom; the county’s engineer said the Pennington Foundation is funding this phase and that nominal 36-inch culverts will be used while future channelization depends on later funding.
Greg Lyman, an engineer hired by the county, told the Ward 6 Neighborhood Advisory Board on Jan. 5 that the Pennington Foundation has committed funding for phase 2 of the South Valleys Park expansion, which would add two softball fields configured specifically for girls’ softball, additional parking and a restroom/concession building.
Lyman said the project is designed to avoid changing the larger drainage pattern in the near term. “Because funds are really limited with the Pennington Foundation grant, we are just putting in nominal culverts. They’re 36 inches,” he said, and added that larger channelization would be part of a future build-out when additional funding is available.
The board’s technical questions focused on flood risk, nearby residences and how the new driveway and parking would affect neighbors. Chair comments and board members noted the plan purposely places the driveway at grade so it “wouldn’t back up anything,” and that culverts under Virginia Street currently limit conveyance in large storms. Kimberly Rossiter and others asked about the closest residential buildings and whether permit conditions would mitigate headlights and noise; Lyman said permit conditions would include fencing and landscaping to address those concerns.
Wesley Muse, speaking for the Washington Little League, urged support for the project and highlighted the need for dedicated girls’ facilities, saying the league’s female enrollment has risen sharply and that fields elsewhere are not guaranteed. “The Pinnington Foundation has graciously dedicated the money to these fields specifically for girls sports,” he said.
Board members expressed strong support and agreed to submit the project review worksheet to planning. The board’s worksheet will record the board’s enthusiasm and provide formal feedback to planning staff before the project goes to the planning commission for formal review.
Next steps: the board will submit its worksheet to planning staff within the next two weeks so the item can be included in staff reports and the project is scheduled tentatively for the Jan. 21 planning commission meeting.
