I read with great interest the wonderful article Jacinda Howard wrote about the history of Celebration Park (May 13).

It looks like many people spent a lot of their political capital to see this project through. As a recent newcomer to Federal Way (11 years), I had no idea the project was so controversial. I have been a parks commissioner for five years, and still had not heard of the adversities that had to be overcome to make the park a reality. I certainly am glad that those who had the vision persevered. Today, we have a beautiful, functional park that has been used by thousands of Federal Way residents.

I would like to share some interesting facts about the 10 years Celebration Park has been in existence. There have been 4,408 youth soccer games played by 136,648 players with 198,360 spectators. There have been 2,360 adult soccer games played by 9,000 players with 3,900 spectators. There have been 1,100 youth baseball/softball games played by 30,800 players with more than 50,000 spectators. There have been 23,680 adult league softball league games played 20,160 players with more than 30,000 spectators. And finally, there have been 240 softball tournaments playing 16,320 games with 86,400 players and more than 100,000 spectators.

These athletic events account for $2 million annually in sales at local businesses. Some of the tax dollars collected eventually trickle into the city coffers.

The city’s Fourth of July celebration — the Red, White and Blues Festival — is held at Celebration Park with thousands attending each year. On any given nice day, the children’s play area will be filled with youngsters playing on the equipment while their parents enjoy time at the park. Suffice it to say, Celebration Park has been an outstanding addition to the Federal Way community.

Now it is time to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Celebration Park. The Parks and Recreation Commission is hosting an open house from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, May 29. Please come and join us for light refreshments, a tour of the recently completed maintenance building, and a ceremonial planting of a variety of maple named Celebration.

You will have a chance to meet some of the citizens who made the park happen, as well as view story boards showing before, during and after photos of the park.

See you there!

Fred Konkell, chairman, Federal Way Parks and Recreation Commission