Facility needs tour hosted at Eatonville H.S.

Eatonville Citizens for Education and Eatonville School District invites the public to the Eatonville High School Track and Stadium for a free facility needs tour.

No RSVP is required but attendees are asked to arrive on time in the football field of the high school at 200 Lynch St. W., Eatonville.

Community members and Eatonville Citizens for Education will join to tour the facilities addressed in the upcoming Capital Bond and to discuss specifics of the renewal of the Eatonville EP & O Levy.

Tour dates:

Stadium Lights Tour - 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21

Donut Tour - 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25

Tour attendees will learn more about the goals of the Eatonville School District’s $4.0 milliondollar capital bond measure on the February 11th ballot, and field and ADA upgrades it would fund at the Eatonville High School athletic facility. This equates to an average rate of $.25/$1,000 for ten years.

Community advocates and John Fisher, the district’s Maintenance and Operations Manager will guide the half-hour tours and will provide attendees with a synopsis of district maintenance efforts and challenges of the current field and track, as well as lighting, safety and accessibility concerns.

“I, like so many in our community, have fond memories of participating in track and field and attending football games at B. W. Lyon Stadium at EHS," said Ronda Litzenberger, Board Member and Committee Chair for Citizens for Education. "Unfortunately, these time honored facilities are becoming increasingly difficult to maintain in a way that prioritizes safety and equitable access for our students and citizens.

“It is imperative that community members attend a facility tour to learn for themselves the critical nature of the safety and access issues that will be addressed by the Capital Bond issue. The Eatonville community is known for upholding a standard of excellence; as we look to the future we will find the modernization of the EHS Track and Field continues that tradition.

“Updated facilities will protect our students from harm and protect the environment by dramatically decreasing our water usage and power consumption. We believe that strong schools create strong communities. Come and learn how we can continue to be Eatonville Strong.”

Fisher said there are no work a rounds “for outdated and unfit infrastructure that can’t support modern programs or provide equitable access to the mobility impaired. Community groups are not able to effectively utilize the current facilities as the field becomes worn out during the fall athletic season.”

Deanna Simons from the Jr Cruisers FB & Cheer programs talked about what the bond would mean to their programs.

“Approval of the bond for a new track & artificial turf field would allow our organization the opportunity to host tournaments and jamborees which could bring 8-16 teams per weekend to Eatonville throughout the football season and into winter, "Simons said. "This would not only boost the economy to local businesses, restaurants and stores but would also create a fundraising opportunity allowing us to charge an entry fee that would be split between the Jr. Cruisers and the ASB. This potential opportunity would allow our organization to retain the necessary funds to scholarship more athletes and replace equipment and gear.”

“We love the Pacific Northwest, but it rains" she said. "Having a facility that players can use and not be muddy, and families, both home and visiting, can be warm and dry while enjoying the competition is a huge benefit. Lastly, Jr. Cruisers are our future Middle School and High School athletes and having that ‘home field feel’ will help both players and families feel more connected to the community which in turn will generate greater support.”