Get your hands dirty and join Kent Parks, Starbucks and REI to celebrate National Public Lands Day, Saturday, September 24 at Lake Fenwick Park, 25828 Lake Fenwick Road, Kent. Volunteers are needed to continue the environmental restoration of the Park’s 140 acres.   Kent has participated in National Public Lands Day for the last five years.  The event on September 24 will be held rain or shine, with orientation beginning at 9:00 am and projects continuing until 12 noon.

Last year was the largest National Public Lands Day in history.  Approximately 170,000 people volunteered at more than 2,000 sites across the nation.  They contributed to over $15 million in improvements to public lands.  The event began in 1994 with 700 volunteers.  It was established as a way to continue the promise of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the 3 million Americans who worked from 1933-1942 to preserve and protect America’s natural heritage.

All ages and abilities are welcome!  Registration is required for planning purposes; the deadline is September 21.  Contact 253-856-5110 or download a registration form at www.KentWAParks.com to volunteer.  Tools and gloves are supplied, but extra shovels and pruners are always welcome.  Volunteers are advised to wear sturdy shoes or boots (no flip-flops or sandals allowed) and to dress for the weather.

The 4th Avenue and Meeker Street Starbucks is donating coffee and hot chocolate, as well as water and snacks, and each volunteer will receive an REI volunteer t-shirt.

Oktoberfest comes to Kent via Kent Sunrise Rotary on Saturday, October 1 at Town Square Plaza.  The event is scheduled from 12 noon to 8:oo  pm, rain or shine.  This family friendly event features grub and grog and entertainment.  Beer garden pre-sale tickets are $20; $25 at the door.  The ticket price includes a German beer stein and first beer, and there is free admission to the Family Fest Zone.  Proceeds will support local veterans’ organizations.  It is a family event so kids and grand kids are welcome!  There will be entertainment for all ages, food booths and lots of fun.  Hope you’ll stop by!

Buy tickets online now at OktoberfestKent.com. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 the day of the event.

Proceeds for the event will support returning veterans.

Every season the City of Kent puts together a handy guide of activities for kids, teens, adults and seniors. The City’s fall program guide was just mailed to area residents. If you didn’t receive one or live outside of Kent, you can download a copy from the City’s website here.

Highlights include:

Preschool programs
Youth programs
Youth/teen programs
Adaptive recreation
Adult Programs
Fitness
Cultural Programs
Adults 50+ programs
Parks and program sites
And more!

Do you enjoy using City parks?  How can we make our parks better?  We want to hear from you!  Please take a brief Parks Survey and let us know how you would like to see Kent Parks develop over the coming years.  The survey is online at www.kentwaparks.com or at the Kent Commons, Senior Activity Center, Resource Center and Parks Administration Offices.

Your comments will help shape the future of our parks in the next version of the Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan. The last time this survey was done, it lead to our ice arena, so your input really matters and can lead to dramatic changes for the citizens of Kent.

There will be additional opportunities to be involved in this process.  If you would like to be notified of future public meetings so you can participate in the parks plan update, please contact Lydia Moorehead at 253-856-5114, lmoorehead@ci.kent.wa.us.