Entertainment, recreation and community event possibilities to grow at Marymoor Park

2005 Archived News

An asphalt recreation event and activity area, on which construction is now under way, will significantly expand the list of entertainment and recreational possibilities at King County's Marymoor Park near Redmond in 2006.

The roughly 200,000-square-foot pad will convert two grass soccer fields into a multi-sport event area that can accommodate sports such as basketball, roller hockey, in-line skating and even ice skating. It will provide a staging area for community and cultural events, and give Marymoor Park the ability to host world-class competitions and shows.

"We are very excited about the possibilities this event and activity pad brings to Marymoor Park," said King County Parks Director Kevin Brown. "We believe it will enable us to accommodate temporary events such as Cirque Du Soleil, regional festivals and sports competitions. This will not only bring in much-needed revenue to help maintain King County Parks, but it will boost the bottom line of nearby businesses."

Brown said the county has kept the City of Redmond and the Friends of Marymoor Park informed of its plans since January and has also been working with local groups representing youth and adult basketball, in-line skating, roller hockey, radio controlled cars, wheelchair athletic events, and general park users to understand their needs. The Parks Division receives numerous requests annually to include basketball courts for open play, events and potentially a summer outdoor league.

Park officials are quick to point out that converting the soccer field will not displace soccer players at Marymoor Park. In fact, Parks expects a net gain in usability and quality thanks to capital improvements, including the conversion of four existing sand fields to new synthetic turf fields that will be completed in 2006.

"We received approval in the 2005 capital budget for the development of four synthetic turf fields at Marymoor Park," said Brown. "These new fields will reduce operating costs, but more importantly, they will not become muddy during heavy rains, allowing for all-season play."

Construction of the new activity area is happening in the active use area of Marymoor Park and is not expected to significantly impact other activities. The activity pad represents less than 1 percent of the total acreage of Marymoor Park. Once complete, Brown said the pad will significantly reduce water usage and the application of fertilizer to the soil.

Cost of construction is $1.6 million, but Parks staff are working toward a return on the investment in as little as four years through event fees, sport fees, parking fees and naming rights.