For our March 2026 edition of the Sports ETA Facility Showcase, we are traveling to the Pacific Northwest. The Snohomish County Sports Commission (SCSC) has been making an impact for the pacific northwest since 2005.  Located just north of Seattle, WA, it is the third most populated county in the state.    

One of the key sport facilities for SCSC, is the Meadowdale Playfields in Lynnwood, WA.  The SCSC overall organizational motto is “Dedication. It’s how we do things.”  This one phrase is felt in sports hosted and those that experience the Meadowdale Playfield.  Make sure to keep reading to the end for the “Key Difference Maker” section.   

#PlayPNWSports 

The SCSC is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the economy, community image, and quality of life in Snohomish County by attracting regional, national, and international sporting events. Its mission is to promote the county as a premier sports destination, assist in organizing sports events, and support the development of sports facilities. 

The SCSC four-person team, led by industry veteran Tammy Dunn, embodies sports for their region.  Beyond the event organization, the SCSC actively supports local sports organizations and provides essential event assistance. Its success in sports tourism has been formally recognized, including receiving the Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism Award. 

Year-Round Sporting Events 

Meadowdale Playfields is a 27-acre athletic complex located in Lynnwood, Washington. Developed in phases between 1985 and 1990, the facility originally featured three lighted softball fields, two lighted sand-based soccer fields, a concession building, a playground area, and walking paths, and primarily hosted adult and senior softball leagues and tournaments. 

A major renovation in 2017 upgraded the field surfaces to all-weather multipurpose turf and significantly expanded the sports that can be played year-round. The softball complex saw its infields converted to all-weather turf as well with increased fencing and backstop heights, and the addition of multiple base path distances. Similarly, the soccer fields were upgraded to all-weather multipurpose fields, accommodating soccer, lacrosse, youth baseball, and fastpitch. 

Facility Improvements Leads to Success Stories 

Renovations at the Meadowlands Playfields have significantly boosted weekend tournament activity since 2018. This investment has resulted in the playfields being booked 42-44 weekends annually for youth baseball, fast pitch, adult softball, and soccer. Renovations included additional and relocated ADA parking, ADA spectator seating, expanded safety fencing and netting, and rebuilt perimeter pathway (wider and ADA accessible) along the south and seas sides of the multipurpose fields. 

The facility hosts numerous high-profile events, including the 2024 USA Softball 14U-18U Class B Western Nationals. This five-day tournament, hosted by USA Softball in Seattle, featured thirty fast pitch teams from California, Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, and Wisconsin. Perfect Game Northwest contributes 10-12 baseball tournaments each year, while USA Softball of Seattle hosts six fastpitch tournaments every fall. Furthermore, in November 2025, the Meadowdale Playfields hosted its inaugural US Quadballfest event, organized by US Quadball. 

Community Dedication and Overall Experience 

The Meadowdale Playfields provide significant value as a neighborhood park and open space. A key aspect of the facility is that non-organized use is permitted whenever the fields are not scheduled for organized activities. As noted earlier, the installation of all-weather turf significantly increased the fields' usage, allowing for play year-round rather than being limited to specific seasons. 

Through its efforts, Snohomish County is establishing itself as a premier destination for sports events, a fact highlighted by the successful hosting of the US Quadball Festival, "Quadballfest Seattle," in November 2025—the first time US Quadball had visited the county. US Quadball was thoroughly impressed with both the quality of the soccer fields and the hospitality provided by the sports commission team before and during the event. This outstanding visitor experience directly led to Snohomish County being awarded the 2026 USA Quadball West National Qualifier. 

KEY DIFFERENCE MAKER: “Dedication.  It’s How We Do Things”  

The Snohomish County Sports Commission significantly boosted their local economy in 2023, generating $27.8 million and hosting 100 diverse sporting events that drew over 144,000 visitors. They also support local sports organizations with event services and marketing, promoting community engagement, and quality of life. Recognized with the Champions of Economic Impact Award for the 2023 WSWA State Championships, the Commission continues to grow through its dedication to sports. Their “It’s how we do things” motto continues to reinforce Snohomish County's standing as a premier sports destination. 

Does your motto reside in what you do at your facilities? 

For visitors to your facilities, what is your “dedication” that shines? 

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Want to showcase a facility in your destination? 
Contact: Vince Trinidad at Vince@SportsETA.org

Miss a previous Facility Showcase? Check them out here!