09/17/2008: "SJ Community Park Moves Forward"

It has taken three years to get to this point (related story), but with the grading of the sports fields and the construction of clubhouse underway, the Friday Harbor Athletic Association, in partnership with the San Juan Island School District, states the completion of at least the infrastructure portion is now complete.

San Juan Island Community Park is a privately funded $2.5 million project. Upon completion, the Park will feature six practice and playing fields (one football field, two soccer fields, two softball fields, and one baseball field), approximately one-mile of walking trails, picnic areas, a clubhouse complete with restrooms and concessions and a reservation for a future school, if required

Two playing fields are scheduled for completion in the summer of 2009, and the final completion is slated for the summer of 2010, weather and funding permitting.

“We are excited to announce the completion of the infrastructure of the San Juan Island Community Park,” said Donny Galt Jr., president of the Friday Harbor Athletic Association. “This milestone has been achieved through the generosity of several members in our community who have donated their time and resources to make this project come to life.”

The $1 million cost of the infrastructure was funded entirely through private donations, with work completed through volunteer labor from members of the Friday Harbor Community. With the infrastructure finished, volunteers are beginning to grade the sports fields, and are working to complete the San Juan Island Community Park clubhouse.

The San Juan Island School District, San Juan Island Parks and Recreation, The Friday Harbor Athletic Association, San Juan Youth Soccer, San Juan Baseball & Softball and local community groups currently share the two baseball fields, and the one multi-use sports field located at Friday Harbor Elementary School. With multiple sports teams and leagues sharing this one facility, scheduling and coordinating practices and athletic events has become increasingly difficult. The Friday Harbor Athletic Association and SJI School District hope that with the completion of the San Juan Island Community Park the Island will have the ability to host additional athletic events and offer new programs to our San Juan Island community.

About San Juan Island Community Park
In partnership with the San Juan School District, the FHAA has embarked on the construction of the San Juan Island Community Park, an effort that has been supported entirely through private donations and volunteer labor. The San Juan Community Park will include one football field, two soccer fields, two softball fields, and one baseball field, approximately one-mile of walking trails, and a clubhouse complete with restrooms and concessions. The park is designed to be enjoyed by all residents and community groups of Friday Harbor and caters to a variety of interests.

About the Friday Harbor Athletic Association
The Friday Harbor Athletic Association (FHAA) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization with a mission of serving the youth of Friday Harbor by creating and providing a positive environment for the development of sportsmanship, athletic skills and character. FHAA operates programs and sports teams for youth between the ages of 6 and 15 in football, flag football, arena football, girls and boys basketball, lacrosse, and cheerleading. Founded by Executive Director Don Galt, Sr. in 1987, FHAA has been serving youth in the Friday Harbor community for over 20 years. The Friday Harbor Athletic Association is overseen by 11 board members and eight honorary board members.