White Center Now: The blog about White Center

Next Tuesday is the annual community-building, crime-fighting event known as Night Out – and you can spend it at Steve Cox Memorial Park! Here’s the announcement sent to us to share with you:

FAMILY NIGHT OUT at Steve Cox Memorial Park on Tuesday, August 1st from 5-7 pm.

The Annual King County Parks Night Out Against Crime Family event is back on Tuesday, August 1st!

King County Parks is thrilled to host families for a quest worthy Night Out at the Playground Picnic Shelter at Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102nd St). This year’s activities will run between 5-7pm and feature Fairy Tale themed activities, crafts, piñatas and carnival games. Hot dogs and ice cream treats will be on hand (while supplies last.) Confirmed guests of honor include North Highline Fire Department, King County Parks Patrol, the WC KCSO Storefront, Librarian Destinee from the White Center Library, and a castle full of White Center Teen Program Recreation Aides. And yes, there will be dragons.

All quest challenges can be completed near the playground (no digging required.) Quests begin at 5pm on Tuesday, August 1st and run until all the treasure is found . (One quest per child please!)

Night Out at SCMP is once again sponsored by the teens and staff of the White Center Teen Program. The WCTP offers free recreational, educational, and social enrichment programming to youth ages 12-19 every Tuesday – Saturday from 3-8 pm.

(Photo from May visit to Highland Park Corner Store in West Seattle)

It just might be the most famous food truck in the region – and it’s coming to White Center this Saturday. Here’s the announcement from the DubSea Fish Sticks:

The Dick’s Drive In Food Truck will be at The DubSea Fish Sticks game on Saturday, June 24th as the Fish Sticks host the Gumberoos for a 6:05 pm game. Dick’s Drive In will also have a photo booth and merchandise table outside The Fryer (aka Mel Olson Stadium). The food truck will be open from 5 pm-8 pm or until they are sold out.

While outside food and drinks are not usually permitted inside the stadium, the Fish Sticks will be allowing all Dick’s Burgers and Milkshakes inside the ballpark as part of this partnership.

Parking is limited inside of Steve Cox Memorial Park but free street parking can be found on 102nd, 14th Ave SW, and 13th Ave SW. The Fish Sticks do ask that visitors be kind neighbors and do not block local businesses or private driveways. The Metro H line is also a great option that has a stop just outside of the Park.

Tickets to the Fish Sticks game can be purchased online at tickets.gofishsticks.com. Gates open at 5:05 pm.

Just announced!

Teens and young adults are invited to come meet prospective employers 3-5 pm June 7th at Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102nd SW).

(2022 FishSticks photo by Robby Mullikin, actionpnw.com)

Big announcement from the DubSea Fish Sticks – it’s team history!

The DubSea Fish Sticks summer collegiate baseball team’s Opening Night on Saturday, June 3rd, sold out today.

“We had a goal this year of selling out multiple games and Opening Night was first on our list,” explained President Justin Moser.

This is the first sellout in franchise history, since they started as the Highline Bears in 2015.

The team hosts their events at Mel Olson Stadium which is located inside of King County’s Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center, nicknamed “The Fryer.”

The team is known for their crazy antics including throwing out a ceremonial first fish. Where the honoree flings a fish toward home plate instead of a baseball. During non-league games the team also runs an open raffle for a random fan to sign a one day contract and lead off in the game for the Fish Sticks as the “Fan Batter of the Night”.

The Fish Sticks recruit players from colleges across the country to come and play for the months of June and July. The 2023 summer roster is made up of players from thirty different colleges. The players report in late May and play with the team to hone their skills and hope to one day play professionally.

The Fish Sticks are still looking for host families for this season for players who are coming from as far away as California, Texas, Florida and Georgia. They are also actively looking for more sponsors and performers to sing the National Anthem.

Single-game tickets for DubSea Fish Sticks games are only $12. If you were unable to get tickets to Opening Night, don’t worry. The team will host 26 home games this summer, including every Saturday night from June 3th – July 29th. On Sunday, June 11th the team will play “Banana Ball,” which was created by the world-famous Savannah Bananas.

The Fish Sticks also partner with youth organizations and nonprofits to run ticket fundraisers at every game and sell discounted group packages. Opening Night’s ticket sales helped West Seattle Baseball raise over $1,000 so far.

You can find more information and secure your tickets for a game at The Fryer online at GoFishSticks.com.

Southwest Little League is registering players for 2023 – and it’s not just baseball this year – they’ve added a new girls’ softball division to SWLL. You can register online right now, or if you and the player(s) in your household would rather sign up in personm the annual chance to do that is coming up February 11th, noon-3 pm at the Little Log Cabin at Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102nd).

Find out more on the SWLL website.

The White Center Teen Program wants to get the word out about this online – or in-person – career exploration this Thursday!

Virtual Aerospace Job Launch for ages 16 – 24 is coming up on Thursday, November 3rd from 3-4:30 pm.

The Fall Job Launch Program features Pathways to Aerospace including aerospace jobs, employers, and free/low-cost training programs to launch a career in aerospace. Ages 16 – 24 are encouraged to join virtually through Zoom or in person at the White Center Teen Program on Thursday, November 3, 2022 from 3 pm-4:30 pm.

Participating Employers and Programs include SEKISUI Aerospace, Pioneer Industries, AJAC Aerospace Joint Apprenticeships, & Renton Technical College. Partner Agencies include King County Parks White Center Teen Program, Pioneer Human Services, Southwest Youth and family Services, the YWCA, Job Source, and Communities of Opportunity.

In=person viewing party hosted at the White Center Teen Program at Steve Cox Memorial Park at 1321 SW 102nd St. More details are available at joblaunchaerospace.eventbrite.com

Tons of fun about to begin – here’s the announcement:

The White Center Teen Program is thrilled to welcome families back to Steve Cox Memorial Park for our annual Halloween Carnival! This year the festivities return outdoors and families can stroll thru the park to participate in FREE interactive games and other Fall inspired activities. In addition to the Carnival, families and teens are also invited to join us in person or on zoom the week prior to participate in a series of Spooky Town related programs.

This year’s festivities are sponsored by the Teens and Staff of the White Center Teen Program. The WCTP offers free recreational, educational and social enrichment programming to youth ages 12-19 between Tuesday – Saturday from 3-8 pm. WC Teen Program participants are volunteering in person and remotely during the month of October to help create the carnival games, arts and crafts giveaways, and park wide decorations. Teens interested in volunteering can reach out to Peanutt at angeth@kingcounty.gov or 206.482.1910.

OUTDOOR HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL on Saturday, October 30th from 2-5 pm
Families are welcome to walk thru the park to pick up FREE goodie bags to fill with carnival game prizes, DIY arts and crafts projects, official Spooky Town slime, community resources and giveaways, and even pumpkins (while supplies last.) Families can also keep it moving through a “Pumpkin Patch Maze” on the outdoor basketball court, a Dragon Eye hunt on the multipurpose field, the I Spy Spooky Town Adventure in the windows of the Historic White Center Field House, and several step and repeat photo opportunities throughout the park.

FALL FAMILY PROGRAMS at the Log Cabin (1321 SW 102nd) between October 25th – 27th
Programs hosted in person with zoom options available. Follow the full schedule of remote Spooky Town programs here

Highlights to include:

–Fall Arts and Crafts for ages 19 and under hosted by the WCTP Recreation Aides with Special Guest WC Librarian Destinee on Tuesday, October 25th at 6 pm.

–Bilingual Bingo with Vana and Sunny (the Log Cabin Baby Bearded Dragon.) for ages 19 and under on Wednesday, October 26th at 6 pm

–Spooky Town Painting Party with local artist PAZ (all supplies proved) for ages 12-19 on Thursday, October 27th at 6 pm.

Perfect night for the return of Night Out block parties! Our first photos are from Gill:

This happened on 20th SW, with neighbors from 100th to 104th, and, Gill says, some from 21st – more than 35 in attendance, and as the photos show, King County Sheriff’s Office members turned out. … We went to Steve Cox Memorial Park for the Family Night Out presented by the Teen Program – lots of activities for kids, inckuding a treasure hunt:

As those photos show, other county services/departments teamed up with the teens for the event – including KCSO and KCLS as well as Parks.

Summer goes by so quickly. It’s already the final weekend for the DubSea Fish Sticks! Here’s a reminder we received from the team this morning:

(Photo by Robby Mullikin)

The DubSea Fish Sticks summer collegiate baseball team is wrapping up their season with two final home games at Mel Olson Stadium on Saturday evening at 6:05 pm and Sunday afternoon at 1 pm.

On Saturday, July 30th the team will be running a Christmas in July theme with Christmas décor, songs and iced out jerseys the players will be wearing. The team is donating $5 of every ticket sold to the White Center Food Bank, who will also be running a 50/50 raffle at the event.

On Sunday, July 31st the team will host its final game of the 2022 inaugural season beginning at 1:05pm. Fan appreciation day will feature special give-aways, fun between inning promotions and the last chance for a fan to roll giant dice for a chance to win $50,000 from Burien Chevrolet.

The summer collegiate baseball team recruits players from colleges across the country to come and play for the months of June and July. The 2022 summer roster is compiled of players from twenty-six different colleges. The players report in late May and play with the team to hone their skills and hope to one day play professionally.

You can purchase tickets and find more information on the Fish Sticks at GoFishSticks.com.

One week from tonight – Tuesday, August 2nd – is Night Out, all over the U.S. Here in White Center, you’re invited to Family Night Out at Steve Cox Memorial Park, 5-7 pm – here’s the announcement:

The Annual King County Parks Night Out Against Crime Family event is back on Tuesday, August 2nd!

King County Parks has participated in the National Night Out event for over a decade and is thrilled to be hosting families in 2022 at the Playground Picnic Shelter at Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102nd St). This year’s activities will run between 5-7 pm and feature Island Getaway-themed treasure hunts, crafts and games. On site activities will be socially distanced with no touch options, and Grab and Go kits will also be available. In lieu of the annual barbeque, an assortment of individually wrapped ice cream treats will be on hand (while supplies last.) Confirmed guests of honor include Magician Jeff Evans performing Strolling Magic (courtesy of the KCLS), Deputy Bill from the White Center Storefront, Librarians Devon and Destinee from the White Center Library, and a pirate ship full of White Center Teen Program Recreation Aides.

All treasure chests will be hidden above ground (no digging required.) The Treasure Hunt begins at 5pm on Tuesday, August 2nd and runs until all of the chests are found. (One chest per child please!) Clues to the treasure chest locations throughout the park can be picked up from staff at the Picnic Shelter. And finally, please follow all Public Health Safety guidelines while hunting for your treasure!

Night Out at SCMP is once again sponsored by the teens and staff of the White Center Teen Program. The WCTP offers free recreational, educational, and social enrichment programming to youth ages 12-19 between Tuesday – Saturday from 3-8 pm. The WCTP is currently offering small group programs such as games club, book club, art club; 1:1 homework help and job readiness; outdoor programs such as tennis, bicycle club, lacrosse, and garden club; and the Summer Recreation Aide Employment Program.

(Also published on partner site West Seattle Blog)

(WCN photos)

Two days before their first game as the DubSea Fish Sticks, collegiate baseball players from all over the country were at the stadium in Steve Cox Memorial Park today for practice. It’s the team’s home stadium for the summer, and the first game is Saturday night.

Today, the players were mostly wearing apparel from their college teams – but the brand-new Fish Sticks uniforms and hats were awaiting pickup:

This year’s roster for the team formerly known as the Highline Bears features players from 30 different colleges, according to Fish Sticks general manager Justin Moser. He promises a trip to the park will deliver more than baseball – they’re also offering food, beer, music, and “crazy promotions.”

The Fish Sticks will play 27 home games, including every Friday and Saturday from June 4th to July 31st. Single-ticket prices are $12 adults, $8 youth (12 and under), seniors, and military, or you can get discounted tickets in “flex packs” for three to 14 games. If you haven’t been to Steve Cox Memorial Park, it’s at 1321 SW 102nd. Opening-night game time is 6:35 pm Saturday vs. the Everett Merchants.

Got a teen or young-adult jobseeker in the household? This event one week from today might be perfect:

The 6th annual Peace in the Hood Job Fair for ages 16 – 24 is coming up on Wednesday, June 8th from 3-5pm outdoors at Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102nd).

The PNTH Job Fair provides employment and mentorship opportunities to youth ages 16 – 24 and is presented in partnership by the YWCA, Pioneer Human Services, Communities of Opportunity, and the King County Parks and Recreation White Center Teen Program. 30+ employers, and 10+ resource providers are expected to attend. Resume & employment application assistance will be provided in advance and day of at the WCTP Log Cabin. The extremely popular PNTH youth Basketball Tournament is scheduled at SCMP the following Wednesday on June 15th. More details are available at eventbrite.com/e/peace-n-the-hood-job-fair-for-young-adults-16-24-years-old-tickets-334746585047

PARTICIPATING EMPLOYERS scheduled to attend include: King County Parks (summer jobs), King County Metro, King County Dept of Local Services, Taco Time, Starbucks, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen/Ambrosia QSR (multiple franchise stores), Fred Meyer, Amazon (hourly jobs), YMCA Greater Seattle (summer recreation jobs), Airport Jobs (representing employers at SeaTac Airport), US Postal Service, Bloodworks Northwest, McLendon Hardware, Boys & Girls Clubs of King County (summer recreation jobs), SMS International Shore Operations, Pioneer Human Services, Macy’s, Target, Skyhawks Sports Academy (summer recreation jobs), and SEKISUI Aerospace.

PARTICIPATING EMPLOYMENT/TRAINING and COMMUNITY RESOURCE PROVIDERS scheduled to attend include: YWCA Greenbridge Learning Center, WA Dept of Social & Human Services caregiver careers, ANEW construction trades pre-apprenticeship training, AJAC advanced manufacturing pre-apprenticeship training, YES Foundation of White Center, WA National Guard, and AmeriCorps.

For additional information, please contact Jody Addicks, King County Parks, at 206.477.2095

Want to work in baseball? Here’s your chance!

The DubSea Fish Sticks summer collegiate baseball team is holding a job fair Sunday, April 10, 2022 at Mel Olson Stadium inside King County’s Steve Cox Memorial Park. The job fair will run from 1 pm-3 pm.

The team is currently looking to hire 20-30 part-time employees for the months of June and July. High school and college students are welcome to apply with select positions being available to those 15 years of age and older. There are select positions such as servers and security that do require the applicant to be 21 years of age or older.

The job fair will allow those interested in working for the Fish Sticks to find out more information about each position and apply on site. For those that are interested but cannot attend the job fair they can apply online at GoFishSticks.com/jobs. Positions that are currently available include concessions, ticketing, game day operations, servers and security.

The DubSea Fish Sticks’ season begins on Saturday, June 4th, running through July 31st. They will host 27 different home shows (games) this summer at Mel Olson Stadium also known as The Fryer by fans. The team hosts upwards of 40 college players from around the country for the summer where they will play 48 games throughout the Pacific Northwest.

For more information on the DubSea Fish Sticks, you can visit www.GoFishSticks.com.

It’s baseball season! Southwest Little League gets going on Saturday – here’s the announcement:

Southwest Little League 2022 season opener Jamboree Day
Steve Cox Memorial Stadium
April 2nd, 2022 @ 12 pm

*Will hold a 50/50 raffle contest
*Have baked goods for free with encouraged donations accepted for the league
*Juniors team (Dodgers) will play in their 1st game at 2 pm

All are welcome for as much or as little baseball as you want to watch! The stadium is at 1321 SW 102nd.

King County has formally announced its new shower trailer (county-provided photo above), which already is making weekly stops at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center (9 am-1 pm Fridays). Here’s the announcement:

Executive Dow Constantine announced the launch of a new program bringing a mobile shower to people experiencing homelessness in Kent, Renton, and Seattle. The mobile shower by Clean the World, a global leader in water, sanitation, hygiene, and sustainability, brings health and hygiene to those currently unsheltered in our region.

King County launched the mobile shower at several locations across the region to support basic hygiene needs for people experiencing homelessness. The mobile shower, purchased with American Rescue Plan funds, is part of key strategic initiatives laid out last year to support people experiencing homelessness. This program brings clean water, soap, and washing facilities that reduces the risk of infection and illness like COVID-19. Currently, the mobile shower visits sites in North Seattle, downtown Seattle, South Seattle, and South King County. The program is slated to expand locations throughout the year.

“The ability to bathe is basic to human dignity, and something most of us are fortunate to be able to take for granted. The launch of this mobile shower with our partners at Clean the World gives people the chance to feel refreshed, gain confidence, and live healthy lives,” said Executive Constantine. “The additional funds from Congress for this project are greatly appreciated as we look to identify strategies big and small to support those experiencing homelessness across our region.”

The shower trailer is completely self-contained and can provide up to 250 showers a week. It includes four private stalls with sink, toilet, shower, and dressing area, including one ADA compliant stall equipped with a baby changing station. The unit is sanitized after each use. Hygiene kits, including soap, shampoo, toothbrush, and toothpaste will be provided along with towels.

Individuals will eventually be able to access wrap-around services at partner host sites that may consist of mental health or substance abuse assessments, food assistance, help getting identification, clean clothes, healthcare, veterinary care for animals, job placement training, and housing assistance. At some locations, Clean the World plans to partner in the future with the County’s Mobile Medical Van.

“Expanding the Fresh Start WASH & Wellness Program into King County means connecting the vulnerable population in this area to critical hygiene and wellness services that will offer a comprehensive approach to both physical and mental health. King County wants to support people experiencing homelessness with the resources needed to transition out of their situation and make them healthier and more confident in the process,” says Shawn Seipler, Founder & CEO, Clean the World. “A warm shower, hygiene supplies, and access to vital resources offered through our many service partners is a big step in that direction.”

King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) is partnering with cities in South King County to deploy the mobile shower unit, in addition to operating Seattle locations. Hours of operation will vary at each location.

Time to look ahead to this year’s youth-sports seasons. Southwest Little League baseball is registering players for spring! You can sign up at southwestlittleleague.org or in person on February 12th, noon-3 pm, at the Little Log Cabin in Steve Cox Memorial Park, 1321 SW 102nd.

10:47 AM: We’re at the Edgewater Hotel on the downtown Seattle waterfront, where the owner of the former Highline Bears has just announced the team’s new name: Dub Sea Fish Sticks. After a process that involved fans proposing more than 200 possible new names, followed by 5,400+ votes between this name and one alternative (Dub Sea Seal Slingers), this morning brought the official unveiling. Owner Justin Moser says they’ll also start calling Mel Olson Stadium at Steve Cox Memorial Park – the team’s home stadium – “The Fryer.” Temporary mascot, as seen above, but another contest will engage people soon in naming the official mascot. The team didn’t play the past two summers because of the pandemic but they’re planning games this year, starting June 4th. The team’s website is now at gofishsticks.com.

ADDED 11:54 AM: Here’s our video of the big reveal:

Back in June, we reported on the White Center-based (former) Highline Bears‘s plan to pursue a new name. Now it’s down to the final two, and they’re inviting you to help choose. From today’s announcement:

Today the Highline Bears summer collegiate baseball team announced the final two possible new team names. The final names are the DubSea Seal Slingers and the DubSea Fish Sticks. The team will now let the community vote online for which name they want to see on the field next summer. Fans can vote online at RenameOurTeam.com, and they can also vote by pre-ordering merchandise of the logo and team name they like best. Voting will remain open for four weeks and the final team name will be announced on November 15th.

Back in June the team announced they would be renaming the team and ran a “Name the Team” contest for 2 weeks. After receiving more than 200 entries, they flew in the baseball-branding company Brandiose. The branding company has helped name dozens of teams in minor league baseball over the past fifteen years, including the Rocket City Trash Pandas and Armadillo Sod Poodles. While in town in July they canvassed the area, ran community focus groups, and brainstormed with the team about what direction they should go. Over the course of the past three months the team has been working on narrowing down all the fan entries, checking trademark statuses on potential names and developing the final two brands,

The team plays more than two dozen games during regular summers (not the past two years, though) with a 40-player roster of college players from around the country, who stay with host families during the season. Their home field is Mel Olson Stadium at Steve Cox Memorial Park.

From Public Health-Seattle/King County we get word of a COVID-19 vaccination pop-up tomorrow (Wednesday, August 18th), noon-6 pm at Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102nd) in White Center. All three authorized vaccines will be available. so this is open to everyone 12+ – no appointment necessary.

Just in – this announcement of a vaccination event noon-6 pm tomorrow (Wednesday, July 28th) at Steve Cox Memorial Park: