Overcast skies couldn't dampen the spirits of young superstars who had visions of game-winning hits and golden goals in their heads.
About 50 Little Leaguers, their parents and elected officials attended the grand reopening of the Bastyr University Athletic Fields on Saturday, April 9, 2011. Guests got a chance to survey the grass, munch on hot dogs and other snacks and be part of a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring Kenmore Mayor David Baker, PhD, and Bastyr University President Daniel K. Church, PhD.
"There was no better way to celebrate the reopening of the athletic fields on our campus this spring than by inviting 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."
The celebration was an opportunity to acknowledge the excellent working relationship the city has with Bastyr University. An agreement between the two provided these athletic fields for use by neighbors and the community.
One interesting feature about the fields is that they 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 fields will be used by the North Lake Little League and Northwest Soccer Camps, among others.
About Bastyr University
Bastyr University, located near Seattle, Washington, is internationally recognized as a pioneer in natural medicine. As the largest accredited university for natural health arts and sciences in the U.S., Bastyr offers more than 17 degree and certificate programs in fields such as naturopathic medicine, acupuncture & Oriental medicine, and whole-food nutrition. Founded in 1978, the University now includes a leading-edge research facility (the Bastyr University Research Institute) and outstanding clinical training at Bastyr Center for Natural Health. The University’s second campus, Bastyr University California, opened in San Diego, California, in fall 2012, becoming the state’s first and only accredited school of naturopathic medicine.
