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Sedro-Woolley staff propose moving ball fields out of floodplain, seek funding for Olmsted Park phase
Summary
City staff proposed relocating four ball fields from the Riverfront floodplain to Winnie Hauser Park to reduce repeated flood damage, estimated field relocation at about $400,000 and playground completion at $600,000; FEMA, park impact fees, RCO grants and reserves were discussed as potential funding sources.
Sedro-Woolley city staff on Monday outlined a plan to move the city’s baseball complex out of a flood-prone area and to finish remaining work at Olmsted Park, saying the swap would reduce recurring damage and long-term maintenance costs.
Nathan, a city parks and facilities staff member, said the Riverfront fields sustain repeated flood damage and that the proposal would shift four ball fields to Winnie Hauser Park and move soccer functions to Riverfront. “So we think we can get 4 ball fields with a little bit room for expansion,” Nathan said. He estimated the ball-field relocation would be “in the ballpark of $400,000.”
Why it matters: Staff said the move would reduce frequent repairs caused by high-water events and free Riverfront of infrastructure—such as backstops and anchored fencing—that are vulnerable to flood damage. That would, in staff’s view, lower recurring maintenance costs and improve resilience.
Staff described what remains at Olmsted Park and funding needs for phase 3. Nathan estimated the playground piece alone would cost roughly $600,000, not including sports courts. Bill, a city staff member leading the funding discussion, said potential sources include park-impact fees, leftover reimbursements, REIT funds and general-fund reserves. He also noted the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) is a common grant source for recreational equipment but that RCO grants typically take about three years from application to contract.
Flood repairs and FEMA: Staff provided a preliminary estimate for flood-related repairs at the Riverfront site of about $82,000, broken down as roughly $50,000 for chain-link fencing, $20,000 for gravel restoration and $12,000 for other items including playground surfacing. Bill said the city has applied for FEMA public assistance and that FEMA reimbursements could be used for repair and resilience work, but cautioned that FEMA payments can take years to arrive.
Timing and next steps: Staff said the field swap would likely be done in the off-season (around October–November) and that the city aims to have a refined funding plan and shovel-ready design work completed so construction could proceed without delaying user groups that need fields for spring tryouts. Bill said staff will bring a more detailed funding 'mosaic' to council and may request use of reserves if council directs.
Council reaction: Several councilmembers favored prioritizing the fields over playground equipment because they expect higher usage at the fields and raised questions about parking capacity at Winnie Hauser Park. The mayor urged the council to consider accessibility needs; Nathan and staff emphasized that the proposed play equipment would be ADA accessible.
What’s next: Staff will refine field layouts with a landscape architect, study parking impacts, return with specific funding proposals, and pursue grants where appropriate. The council did not take a formal vote at the meeting.
