Athletic fields at Bastyr University in Kenmore reopen on Saturday

Fields to be used by the North Lake Little League and Northwest Soccer Camps

Bastyr University and the City of Kenmore will co-host a celebration of the reopening of the Bastyr athletic fields on April 9, 2011, from 11 am – 1 pm, complete with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a free hot dog cookout and remarks from both Bastyr University President Daniel K. Church, PhD, and Kenmore Mayor David Baker, PhD.

"There is no better way to celebrate the reopening of the athletic fields on our campus this spring than to invite the public to experience them firsthand," said President Church. "Both Bastyr University and the City of Kenmore take great pride in our baseball diamonds and soccer pitch and are excited to share them with the community."

Kenmore Mayor David Baker said, 

“This celebration is another opportunity to acknowledge the excellent working relationship the City has with Bastyr University, acknowledged nationwide as the leading educational institution in natural medicine.” He added, “The Kenmore City Council is proud of our agreement with the University that made this possible and provides these athletic fields for use by all of our community and our neighbors.”

The fields have been planted with a new self-repairing and eco-friendly species of grass. In fact, Bastyr University is the first place the new species has been planted in the Pacific Northwest. This unique blend of three spreading rye grasses was chosen because it can be planted without plastic nets, is easier to manage than other grass and maintains a consistent appearance (by hindering the growth of bluegrass). As a result, representatives from the Seattle Seahawks and from Seattle University have come onto Bastyr University's campus to investigate the grass for themselves.

The grand reopening of the fields, which will be used by the North Lake Little League and Northwest Soccer Camps, will take place in the Herb Garden and parking will be available in the North Parking Lot. The University's Dining Commons, Bookstore and Student Village will also be open to the public to explore.  In the event of rain, the celebration will take place in the Dining Commons, located in the University's main building.

Bastyr University is located at 14500 Juanita Dr NE, Kenmore WA 98028 (map)