LET’S PLAY, MIDWAY!
RAVE Foundation and the Seattle Storm teamed up with Symetra Life Insurance Company to support and improve equitable access to safe, fun physical activity for youth by renovating an under-utilized court surface into a brand new and inviting mini pitch and basketball court at Midway Park in Des Moines, Wash.
Sounders FC and the Seattle Storm are members of the King County Play Equity Coalition, which is aimed at bringing access to sports and recreation regardless of zip code, language or race. The King County Play Equity Coalition was formed in direct response to results of a 2019 study by the University of Washington's Center for Leadership in Athletics, in partnership with King County Parks and The Aspen Institute, which found that less than 19 percent of young people in the region get the amount of physical activity recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This project is in response to the Coalition’s commitment to remove barriers to physical activity for more kids throughout King County.
Soccer / Basketball Court
The multi-purpose recreation space is a donation from RAVE Foundation and Seattle Storm with generous support from Symetra Life Insurance Company. Together, these champions are collaborating to invest in a new court intended for free play. Situated just East of Pac Highway in a green space desert, Midway Park provides a much-needed safe place to play for nearby youth. The dual soccer and basketball court at Midway Park is free to all who visit and will serve to inspire free play and community pride.
GOALS & HOOPS for ART at Midway
In advance of the ground breaking, Midway Elementary students had the opportunity to contribute to the design of the soccer goals and basketball backboards as part of a virtual Goals & Hoops for Art event. Sounders FC Brand Ambassador and former player Brad Evans and Seattle Storm assistant coach Noelle Quinn joined students as they put their imaginations to paper led by Highline Public Schools teachers and staff. This artwork will be featured on the current Midway Park goals and hoop structures and will add bright and personal touch to the new court.
Free Online Basketball and Soccer Clinics
The Storm and Sounders FC also teamed up to host a free online basketball and soccer clinic for Midway youth, hosted by Des Moines Parks & Recreation. Each child participating received a brand new soccer ball and basketball – for use on their new neighborhood court!
Construction and refurbishment is now underway. We can’t wait to celebrate and play with the Midway community!
