We have been informed of a proposed price increase for adult athletic field costs starting in 2017, and are deeply concerned about the impact this price increase would have on our team.

The Mayor’s new proposed budget for Seattle Parks and Recreation would increase our field costs by nearly $200 per week and would close to double our current field costs. Because rugby is a year-round sport, fields and fixtures already account for nearly 85% of our total operating costs after dues, charitable donations, and sponsorship. We feel as though this proposed budget would put us in a very difficult position as a club, and would adversely affect not only the Seattle Quake, but many other athletic clubs in Seattle, as well (Emerald City Mudhens).

Seattle City Council is holding a session tomorrow to go over these proposed changes, and is also welcoming feedback in the form of emails to the council. The Seattle Quake Rugby Board, is planning on attending but we would love company! If you can, please join us and wear something Quake Rugby related!

Tues., Oct. 25, 2016, 5:30 p.m. (sign up 5 p.m.), Council Chambers, City Hall, 600 4th Ave., 2nd floor
http://www.seattle.gov/council/calendar?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D120849567

Alternatively, please contact your City Council member to make sure they hear your opposition. (http://www.seattle.gov/council/meet-the-council) Or send an email send it to them at council@seattle.gov.

Thank you for whatever you can do! Field costs are currently our single biggest expense. In light of this increase, it will be very difficult to keep our dues as low as we would like, in order to ensure that everyone who wants to play rugby with the Quake can do so. We know it is not a simple thing to alter budget proposals, but we are hoping to at least influence the city council to consider an alternate proposal that allows non-profits like ours to use the fields at a reduced rate.