Sequoias Cut at Shorecrest: School District Responds

Editor's note: The following statement from the Shoreline School District was submitted by Craig Degginger, public information officer for the school district. 

The recent removal of evergreen trees at Shorecrest High School was planned as part of the school’s modernization project. The removal of these trees was clearly marked on the plans submitted to and approved by the City of Shoreline as part of the permitting process for the Shorecrest construction project. The District will be retaining 42 percent of the existing significant trees on the Shorecrest site, more than double what is required by the City. A significant number of replacement trees (Western Red Cedars, vine maples and cherries), as well as additional new landscaping are planned for the Shorecrest site prior to completion.

The Shorecrest plans call for retention of the remainder of the evergreen trees along the five existing tennis courts. Some of the courts themselves have been damaged by tree roots to the extent they are no longer safe for play. The courts will be used for parking and staging during construction. The School Board has approved a feasibility study to determine the future location for the six new Shorecrest tennis courts.