UW Bothell Alumni and Students Realize a Dream
UW Bothell Alumni and Students Realize a Dream
Published: December 12, 2012
By Andrew Nguyen and Marlene Manzo
It might be difficult to believe that a series of Ultimate Frisbee practices on a poorly lit field could lead to a $3.3 million sports complex, but that’s how the story goes.
In 2009, UW Bothell sophomore Ali Bulzomi was captain of the Ultimate Frisbee team. They practiced at the North Creek Sports field and were often kicked off or the lights would shut off because of a lack of funding to reserve the field. Bulzomi presented those issues and the idea of a safe on campus sports field to Marilyn Cox, Vice Chancellor of Administration and Planning. Cox not only took Bulzomi’s concerns to heart, she helped put the wheels in motion for a sports complex fully funded by students. “We’re all here to help and support students,” Cox says. “The sports and recreation facilities will provide not only a place for socializing, but will also support health and wellness.” The planning process has been a collaborative effort of the Associated Student Body and university staff.
Bulzomi says the entire process leading up to the completion of the student facility is symbolic of the experience any student can have at UW Bothell. “What you do actually matters. UW Bothell staff and administration have direct relationships with students that help build the campus community. Staff cares about students concerns and needs, which is really important. It’s really exciting to see the sports field come along; it just shows that our hard work pays off.”
On December 6, 2012, the UW Bothell community celebrated the long awaited grand opening of the Sports and Recreation Complex, an outdoor space where students can enjoy recreation without having to travel off campus.
Cutting the ribbon during the ceremony were former ASUWB members Amira Davis and Eric Chan, joined by current ASUWB president Kevin King and Chancellor Kenyon Chan.
The complex spans 2.5 acres and includes a shared soccer and softball field, tennis courts, a basketball court and a sand volley ball court. With the environment and the wetlands in mind, the project planning team incorporated sustainable features, including artificial turf designed with 20,000 recycled tires and field lighting, which will reduce light pollution by 50 percent.
Davis, Chan, and Bulzomi have graduated, but their hard work can now be enjoyed by UW Bothell students for years to come.
View the video to see how students plan to use the new complex!