Editorial
The right compromise for Magnuson Park

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Seattle City Council's latest plan for Sand Point Magnuson Park helps ease the city's growing demand for athletic fields without overwhelming the nearby neighborhood.

The Seattle Park Department's original plan to light 11 new fields was overkill, especially for neighbors of the Northeast Seattle park.

Councilman David Della forged a moderate compromise that would increase the number of fields from eight to 11. Only seven would be lit. Seattle can be sports friendly without allowing a steady run of activities to bring too much glare and traffic.

Changes at the park would be phased in over several years and also would allow four unlit fields to be improved in the sports meadow. A council committee agreed two additional fields might be allowed later, which is fine as long as they are not lit.

The committee made another sensible adjustment: Lights must be turned off by 10 p.m., earlier than initially proposed, and no lights will be allowed on Sundays.

Youth and adult sports organizations still will gain field time at Magnuson. The full council should adopt the compromise when it votes June 14.