Lincoln High School's football and soccer teams will stop busing to Ingraham High School for practice if Superintendent Ben Shuldiner's recommendation moves forward.

For Ingraham families, that could mean fewer scheduling conflicts at the Northwest Athletic Center, where Lincoln's teams currently compete for field time behind Ingraham's own squads.

Shuldiner announced Wednesday, June 10 that he is asking Seattle Parks and Recreation to partner on a full-size, multi-sport athletic field at N. 50th Street and Aurora Avenue North in Woodland Park. He delivered the news directly to Lincoln students first.

"After many years of conversation about this, it was clear when I arrived as superintendent four months ago that it is time to act," Shuldiner told students.

Lincoln is the only comprehensive high school in Seattle Public Schools without a home field or track. Its JV and varsity football teams practice at Ingraham (1819 N. 135th St.), and boys' soccer joins them each spring. Because Ingraham's teams hold priority, Lincoln athletes schedule around them, sometimes landing late practice slots that discourage participation.

The pressure grew when Memorial Stadium closed for reconstruction this year. SPS projects that project will finish by the end of 2027. In the meantime, Lincoln's varsity home games moved to Ingraham's Northwest Athletic Center, adding further demand on a facility that serves Ingraham's own student-athletes.

The recommended site is a largely unused gravel parking lot at 50th and Aurora, identified as Option B at an April 25 community meeting. A prior proposal at Wallingford Playfield was dropped after community pushback, and Option A at Lower Woodland Field #2 would have displaced BMX dirt jumps that have existed since at least 1987.

The project includes a multi-sport field with portable bleachers for at least 100 spectators, plus a renovation of the track at Lower Woodland Field #7. The field will support football, soccer, marching band, and recreational athletics. Seattle Parks and Recreation will continue to own the land; the field joins the existing SPS/SPR joint use agreement, meaning community access outside school hours.

Shuldiner said the field should be ready by fall 2029, with the track renovation completed sooner. SPS submitted a formal letter to the Parks and Recreation director on June 10 and plans to present to the Parks Board this summer.

The 2022 BTA V levy allocated $5 million for the project in 2022 dollars. Lincoln's student newspaper, the Lincoln Log, reported in May 2026 that roughly $10 million may now be needed. The gap likely reflects four years of construction-cost inflation and a broader project scope, though the district has not released an updated official estimate.

The project requires an Environmental Impact Statement evaluating potential impacts, including tree canopy and traffic. Design decisions on field orientation remain open. The project management firm is Shiels Obletz Johnsen. Design and engineering is by McGranahan PBK.

What Ingraham and Lincoln families should know

• Lincoln teams will continue practicing at Ingraham until the new field opens, likely through the 2028-29 school year.
• SPS projects Memorial Stadium reconstruction will finish by the end of 2027, which should move Lincoln's varsity home games off Ingraham's campus before the Woodland Park field opens.
• The Seattle School Board has not yet voted on this specific site recommendation. SPS plans a Parks Board presentation this summer, followed by environmental review and permitting.
• No statement from the Ingraham High School PTSA or athletic department has been released regarding the scheduling impact as of article publication date.

The Parks Board presentation date has not been announced. Families can track updates at seattleschools.org/lincoln-field.