In Seattle, our kids eagerly look forward to their baseball games every week. However, a simple bout of rain often dampens their spirits, as the fields remain unusable for extended periods. Games are canceled regularly, leading to disappointment not only for the children but also for the parents, coaches, and local sports enthusiasts. The joy of playing, teaching teamwork, discipline, and community spirit is hampered by something as straightforward as field maintenance.

Seattle experiences a significant amount of rainfall annually, with an average of 152 rainy days each year. With such a climate, having proper infrastructure to protect our baseball fields from rain damage is crucial. Comparable cities with similar weather conditions have already implemented the use of tarps to safeguard their sports facilities. Tarps are a cost-effective and efficient solution that can make a substantial difference.

 The City and Parks department have engaged in projects that benefit only a chosen few at the cost of millions and yet make no time for practical and effective solutions like this one that would benefit a huge number of youth in our communities.  This is not a matter of affordability, but rather a lack of accountability to the public. 
Securing tarps for Seattle's baseball fields would not only ensure that games and practices continue as planned but it would also maintain the quality of the fields year-round. This would mean less wear and tear on the grass, reduced maintenance costs in the long run, and a consistent schedule for our kids to play their beloved sport.

We urge the City and Seattle Parks and Recreation department to allocate funds specifically for this purpose. Investing in tarps would benefit our community by providing reliable and playable fields, no matter the weather. Let's keep our baseball fields ready for action, rain or shine.

Lend your support for our kids and their love of baseball; please sign this petition to make tarps for our baseball fields a reality.