After years of hope by citizens and negotiations by the parks department, the city has purchased Navy property at Smith Cove. If recent letters to the editor and a previous article in the News are indicators, contention attends this acquisition. But that need not be so!
Here's a brief geographic introduction for those unfamiliar with Smith Cove.
The property purchased by the city from the Navy consists of the hilltop above the Admiral's home and the flatland below and between the home and the north-south road approaching the marina ("Navy lowland"). The Navy retains the home. To the east of the road is equal-sized flatland, called the West Yard, owned by the Port of Seattle. To the south of that is the existing sliver of Smith Cove Park with a designated marine sanctuary offshore in Elliott Bay. Funds for the purchase came from Shoreline Park Improvement Funds, the Pro-Parks Levy and county settlement money of $1 million, $2 million and $3 million, respectively.
To date, the hilltop "uplands" have not appeared on the public's radar screen. However, the Magnolia Community Club (MCC) suggests that, by name or reference, this area be designated to recognize the community spirit of Ursula Judkins, who, for the decade preceding her death, tirelessly worked for the betterment of Magnolia.
In contrast, the "lowlands" captures attention precipitated in part by political and official actions. A portion of county funds was stipulated to "be expended or encumbered only for acquisition and ballfield development for kids at Smith Cove." The superintendent of the parks department, according to the September MCC newsletter, "told the MCC that for now, plans are to install an unlit, grass-only ballfield. This will be used for youth sports until there is enough money to develop a long-term plan for the park." Park's Joint Athletic Facilities Development Program (a plan approved in 2002) states, "Some members of the community have expressed support for the development of an active sports field [at Smith Cove]. Others support the development of passive park space. The future use of this site will be subject to a pubic process."
Athletic fields, passive shoreline park and/or something else? There is a rationale and a legitimacy for each intention. Their relative merits are not evaluated here. The issue will eventually need resolution, not by official predetermination, but by a public process. Yes. Begin open discussions, but defer final decisions on the Navy property. Why? Everyone may be better off by doing so. All parties need be aware of very important factors that may give the citizenry wider options to satisfy seemingly conflicting interests.
First, the Port of Seattle has consistently stated, and reaffirmed this spring, that it is receptive to consideration of any city-proposed exchange of the Navy lowland for the West Yard or some partial swap thereof. Thus the potential of an expanded park is not confined to the configuration of the acquired Navy lowland.
Second, there is potential for park land beyond the size of the Navy lowland. The Port of Seattle has initiated a two-year study for the development of its uplands - acreage north of the Magnolia Bridge - and concedes an obligation to recognize community interests in what it will do there. That includes the possibility of dedicating land toward satisfying community interests. The community might seek additional park land from the Park - for example, the West Yard and/or land north of the bridge. Two years' time will reveal the Port's development plans, configure the replacement for the Magnolia Bridge, and allow the community to define its ideal for public purpose land near Smith Cove.
The Smith Cove issue should not be viewed as how to use the Navy lowland. Instead, what would be the grander opportunity, in the near future, for a larger potential that would both meet a range of interests and secure the maximum benefits from the location, scenery, and topography of Smith Cove?
Parks, the athletic community and residents holding other interests, please do not squabble now about the distribution of the one bone now in the bowl. The long-range result might be limited to whatever today's decision is. Instead, exercise forbearance and patience. Recognize the value of the interests of others. Cooperate by defining what would serve all. Secure in a few years the true potential for public interests in Smith Cove. You may well find that your particular interest will be enhanced if you do.
Suggestion: A group be formed including representatives from the different use-interest groups, the MCC, the parks department and the county - moderated by a neutral facilitator - to explore and realize the thesis described above. They would encourage their constituencies to support their effort and agree that temporary expenditures or use would not limit flexibility in a later, grander vision. They would be a focus for both receipt and consideration of community ideas and for exploratory negotiations with all entities concerned. As a result of their efforts, the community would realize the maximum opportunity via a collegial process.
Perhaps for now, the MCC would be the best place for anyone to express their willingness to participate in such a group. The MCC may be contacted via telephone, 283-1188; e-mail, magnoliacommunitycub@ hotmail.com; or fax, 285-9035.
Steve Ericson is a Magnolia resident and a representative on the Neighborhood Advisory Council to the Port of Seattle.
