Community member warns board that proposed Timberrest field lighting could create nighttime safety risks

A Northshore community member told the school board on June 24 that installing athletic field lights at the Timberrest site would pose a serious nighttime safety risk and that prior county approval prohibited lights at that location.

"It is clear your current team had no idea the county allowed you to build Timberrest only if you agreed never to install athletic field lighting," Doug Hakala told the board during the public comment period, urging members to "pull the plug on this reckless lighting plan." He argued that the two routes to Timberrest have curves, restricted sight lines and no streetlights, and that those conditions make night access hazardous for students and other users.

Hakala said he reviewed district emails and documents and that staff removed a no‑impact SEPA finding after he raised the restriction, which he presented to the board with a map. He asked the board to read the packet he left with staff and to inform county officials if the district intends to pursue lighting.

The board did not respond to Hakala’s substantive claims during the meeting; the public comment period concluded and the board moved on to the publicly noticed budget hearing and other agenda items. No staff reply or factual clarification about Timberrest permitting or the county condition was recorded in the meeting minutes or the meeting transcript.

The board will consider the district’s capital and project planning as part of its Capital Facilities Plan and procurement approvals. Any change to the site or to prior permit commitments would require review and, if applicable, coordination with the county and other permitting authorities.

Hakala offered to answer questions and to provide further evidence; meeting materials indicate he left a packet with district staff.