Controversy in Seattle: Pickleball Facility to Replace RV Safe Lot in Interbay
Seattle’s Interbay neighborhood is buzzing with excitement and controversy as plans for a new 20-court pickleball facility are announced to be built on the site of a planned RV safe lot. The news has sparked a debate between pickleball enthusiasts eager for dedicated courts and advocates for the unhoused population in the city.
The safe lot provider, the Low Income Housing Institute, has always intended for the RV safe lot to be a temporary solution while developers review permits for their properties. This unique business model aims to utilize vacant land to provide temporary housing for those in need.
On the other hand, Seattle’s pickleball community has long been in need of permanent courts with proper facilities. The planned 20-court pickleball facility, featuring both indoor and rooftop courts, would finally provide players with a lasting space to enjoy their favorite sport.
Despite the apparent conflict between the two projects, Jon Grant, chief strategy officer for the Low Income Housing Institute, assures that there is no issue. The RV safe lot is set to open in six weeks and will be relocated when the pickleball facility begins construction. The institute’s focus remains on getting people into permanent housing and providing essential support services on-site.
With the potential to help around 100 people transition to housing over its lifespan, the project aims to be a part of the solution to Seattle’s ongoing issue of homelessness. As the city continues to grapple with finding suitable locations for tiny house villages and safe parking lots, this innovative approach offers a glimmer of hope for those in need.
