Coming to Council: Updates for the AquaSox
On Tuesday, November 12th, over 200 Everett residents gathered in the Weyerhaeuser Room at the Everett Station to learn more about the Outdoor Multipurpose Facility Project - i.e. the new (or updated) home of the AquaSox. Several City officials were present as were various City staff to help answer questions and provide further clarification as needed. After a welcome from Danny Tetzlaff, current General Manager of the Everett AquaSox, Council President Schwab noted that he was confident the City, Council, and public could find a decision to benefit the whole community, while Mayor Franklin emphasized that this was an opportunity for a “great partnership” and that this decision was “not just about baseball.”
The majority of the meeting was dedicated to explaining the options that are available for the AquaSox field and facility. Ben Franz of SOJ Consultants, who led this discussion, worked on the Pike Place Market renovation (while keeping all of the businesses open) and expressed excitement by the opportunity to “build economy in Everett” and help our community take the next step forward. He shared that this process had state approval to use the progressive design-build process, meaning we can hire a contractor and architect at the same time and they would collaborate to complete the project within a defined budget (a strategy that can save time and resources). He also noted that the project - no matter what alternative was chosen - would be a “massive investment of public and private dollars.”
Out of all the sites and potential places for this project, 3 alternatives were presented.
The first alternative was to update the existing facility at Funko Field. This option, like all those presented, had pros and cons and ultimately would require a remodel, field expansion, and a team relocation for at least part of a season to allow for the update. This site is owned by the Everett School district, which would result in less direct revenue and potential scheduling conflicts, and its location on Broadway next to the I-5 Corridors would lead to an increase in noise and traffic, but a decrease in light pollution. While this plan does include preserving the Everett Memorial Stadium and the School District office, it is possible that other surrounding properties on Broadway may be looked into for purchase.
The second alternative was to develop a new site in Downtown Everett, east of the Angel of the Winds Arena. This was the most expensive alternative but was also determined to bring in the most direct revenue for the city. The site the facility and field would be placed on is currently made up of 28 privately owned parcels and would also require changing right-of-ways on McDougall, Wall, and Paine Ave. This option would allow for more than just baseball according to Franz - soccer teams are interested in making Everett their home base, public parks could be built on the site, and the facility could even be used for concerts - allowing people to travel from all over using the light rail, which would be walking distance from the site.
The third and final alternative is to keep the existing site as it is now, continue paying fines to the Minor League Baseball organization for not having a field and facility up to standards, and, eventually, likely lose the AquaSox as a team.
All sites were found to have equitable environmental impact and all have the expected timeline of having the first AquaSox game in the new (or updated) facility in April 2027. Additionally, Franz assured the public that every step of this process includes feedback opportunities for the public, as well as opportunities to change course and adapt as needed to develop the best site for Everett’s community and future.
Questions from the public ranged from practicalities (such as why is the downtown choice the most practical option?) to funding concerns (such as what the breakdown was between private sponsorship, government funds, and taxpayer dollars?) to general in-favor comments emphasizing that a facility like this would provide extensive opportunities for our city and residents. One member of the public asked what the school district’s response was while another noted that, while the city wouldn’t receive as much direct revenue from the Funko Field remodel option, the School District would likely benefit from some of that revenue. Other concerned residents noted that, if we were to move forward with the Downtown option, this would have to outcompete any other potential use as it would be on a critical site near the light rail and in a space that, based on existing light rail station areas, has generally been reserved for housing and the fact that this site would require numerous local businesses to relocate or close.
You can find more information about this project on the Outdoor Multipurpose Facility Project site as well as provide comments. Additionally, the next public meeting for this project will be held on Tuesday, December 3rd, at the Courtyard by Marriott (3003 Colby Ave) from 6:30 - 7:30 PM. This topic will also be brought to the Council starting December 4th (with a vote on the site on December 18th) so please let your voice be heard by sharing your thoughts, your concerns, and your hopes for this future City project.
Angela Di Filippo currently works in State Social Services and recently earned her Masters in Industrial/Organizational Psychology with extensive training in evidence-based leadership coaching. Angela moved from North Carolina to Washington 6 years ago and has proudly called Everett her home for 5 of those years. When not helping others solve problems in creative and strength-driven ways, Angela enjoys her time painting, hiking with her terrier-mix, Indy, and eating waffles.
