Local Boy Scout troops will collect and recycle Christmas trees on Sat., Jan. 5, 2013 in exchange for a suggested donation of $5. Undecorated trees should be left curbside by 8 a.m. on Jan. 5, including a payment inside an envelope with “Boy Scouts” marked outside. Trees will be picked up by 4 p.m.

As an alternative, Christmas tree owners can drop off their trees from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Service Club Ballfields at 14608 SE 288th St., Kent. Boy Scouts will be available to help unload the trees and accept donations. The money earned from the Christmas tree recycling program will be used to support scouting activities throughout the year including troop activities, camps and awards. Donations can also be mailed to Christmas Tree Drive, P O Box 5094, Kent, WA 98064. Questions? Call Kent Lions Foundation at 253.852.5466.

In addition, Kent residential garbage customers can leave their trees curbside the week of Jan. 7 – 11 on their regular collection day. Trees must be stripped of ornaments and tinsel (sorry, no flocked trees). Trees taller than five feet must be cut into three foot sections and bundled with twine.

The trees will be used by the Kent Parks Department as mulch and to maintain trails in the city parks.

Stay in shape this summer! Join the Kent4Health walking group as it hits the trails throughout the summer. Walks take place every Wednesday through September 12. Walks will occur at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. in various parks throughout Kent. Click here to see a full schedule.

Wed. morning walks are 9 to 11 a.m. Evening walks are 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Note:  There are no walks scheduled for Wed., July 4.

Contributed by Victoria Andrews, Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a national holiday, is Monday, January 16. With schools and many businesses closed, including city of Kent offices, Kent Parks would like to encourage students, scouts, families and others to observe it by contributing community service.

Once again, we will focus on collecting litter along the Interurban Trail. Volunteers will meet at the Kent Lions Skate Park on West Smith St. near Lincoln Avenue/Valley Highway overpass in downtown Kent. Parking is available in the Park-and-Ride lot next to the skate park.

Trash bags and a limited number of pick sticks will be provided. Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear sturdy boots or shoes, bring work gloves and a bottle of water if they wish. Special programs manager Victoria Andrews staffs the event and requests pre-registration by January 12 to ensure she brings enough supplies. To download the registration flyer, visit www.KentWAParks.com and click on Volunteer. Or call 253-856-5110.

From Victoria Andrews, Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services

On Saturday, January 7, 2012, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, local Boy Scout troops will collect and recycle Christmas trees in neighborhoods around Kent for a $5.00 donation.  The location is Service Club Ballfields, 14608 SE 288^th Street (west off Kent-Kangley Road at 144^th).

To ensure pick-up, trees must be placed outside by 8:00 AM Saturday morning; the scouts are unable to confirm an exact pick-up time. If you prefer to deliver your tree yourself, please bring it to Service Club Ballfields.  Scouts will be on hand to unload the trees and accept your donation. Trees with tinsel and/or flock cannot be accepted.  For more information, contact the Kent Lions & Foundation (253-852-5466) or check the City’s community calendar at www.KentWA.gov.

This long-running program keeps the trees out of landfills and provides a stockpile of chips for use by Parks Maintenance to mulch new plants and maintain trails in the City parks system.  By participating in the program, you can help the Boy Scouts, the Parks Department, and the environment.         

City of Kent Recycling:  Jan. 9 – 13, 2012

The City of Kent will also provide free curbside pickup of Christmas trees for residential households within the Kent City Limits the week of January 9-13, 2012.   You must be a current Allied Waste garbage customer to be eligible.  An event flyer is mailed to residential garbage customers in mid-December.

- Unflocked & completely clean of decorations

- Without stands

- Base of tree cannot exceed four inches in diameter

- Trees taller than five feet must be cut into three-foot sections and bundled with natural material like twine

- If your tree is missed, call Allied Waste at 206-682-9735.

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.

The City of Kent is looking for one or two strong, committed nonprofits to operate the Morford Family Carousel (at Town Square Plaza in downtown Kent) for the summer.

The club or organization will determine its operating hours, but typically the season begins after Kent Cornucopia Days (mid-July) through the last Sunday in August. Organizations can benefit by accepting donations for rides. One adult and two minors are needed per shift. A strong, committed volunteer work force is needed.

If you are interested, contact Victoria Andrews at Kent Parks at 253-856-5113 or via email by Fri., Mar. 11, 2011

Photo by Dana Neuts

Thanks to Victoria Andrews of Kent Parks for this news release:

September 24, 2010–The City of Kent and the Kent School District will mark 10 years of a successful partnership on Tuesday, October 5, 3:00-4:00 p.m. at Clark Lake Park’s main entrance on SE 240^th. Additional parking is available at the Eastridge Baptist Church, 12520 SE 240th St.

The City’s Youth Tree Education Program, “Plant the Planet,” began in the year 2000, when Kent School District elementary students helped plant 2,000 native trees.  To date over 20,000 trees and shrubs have been planted by Kent children!  The City is marking the 10^th anniversary by creating a Walk of Native Trees & Shrubs and a self-guided tour at one of Kent’s most beautiful parks, 130-acre Clark Lake Park. The walk features mature examples of 13 of the species students have planted over the past 10 years.

Council President Jamie Perry will MC the walk’s dedication.  Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lee Vargas will also participate, along with a few of the teachers who have been part of the program for many years.  Parks Director Jeff Watling, who will take the walk for the first time at the dedication, commented, “Plant the Planet is one of our most popular annual programs, for teachers, students and City staff.  Our Public Works and Parks staff team up to give children a hands-on learning experience about what trees do for our environment.  Each child pots a tree or shrub in the spring and cares for it until it can be planted at home or at a park in the fall.”

In 2007, “Plant the Planet” received the Education Award from the National Arbor Day Foundation.  In 2009, it was selected for national recognition by Take Pride in America® in the local government category.

Light refreshments will be served after the dedication and walk.  For more information, contact 253-856-5110.

Next Saturday, June 5 is National Trails Day. Help the City of Kent celebrate by volunteering to work at Clark Lake Park (120th Ave. & SE 240th St.) in Kent. Rain or shine, volunteers will work from 9 a.m. to noon to reconstruct a gravel trail into the park, remove weeds, and plant native trees and shrubs. After the event, Farrington Court is providing lunch!

Sign up by June 2 by completing this form and returning it to Victoria Andrews with Kent Parks, Recreation and Community  Services.

Students? Need community service hours. Three fun hours right here!

Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services presents “AfterSchool Express”.  “AfterSchool Express” is a program set-up to encourage achievement, motivation and creativity for K-6th graders.  An after school program focusing on enhancing a child’s learning skills all while making friends.  The best part of all is that it is FREE!  Registration is required and is offered on a first-come first-served basis.  For more information visit the Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services website or call (253) 856-5030.

Want to help keep Kent clean and well maintained? Then join the city parks department and other volunteers for upcoming volunteer projects. The City of Kent seeks volunteers including corporate work groups, students, scouts, faith-based groups, clubs and individuals to volunteer in Kent parks this spring. Here are just a few of the opportunities available to make a different in the Kent community. Pre-registration is required and must be done at least three days prior to the event. Some events are filled up early, so register well in advance. For registration/volunteer forms, visit KentWAParks.com or call 253-856-5110.

March 19:  Spring Community Pride Day and Graffiti Paint-out

April 23:  Earth Day at Park Orchard Park

April 30:  Arbor Day at West Fenwick Park

June 4:  National Trails Day at Park Orchard Park

July 5:  After-the-Fourth clean-up at several area parks

Join Kent Parks, Recreation and Community Services on Monday, January 18 for the 2nd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.  This year the project is Clean-up at West Hill Skate Park.  The community service project will begin at 2pm and continue until 4pm.  Please make sure to dress warm and wear sturdy shoes and gloves.  Trash bags and pick up sticks will be provided.   Please pre-register by January 14.  For more information or to register visit kentwaparks.com.

The City of Kent needs volunteers to help at Turnkey Park (23312 100th Ave. SE) this Saturday. From 9 am to noon, work crews will clear a wooded area, pull weeds, plant trees and shurbs and refurbish gravel trails.

To volunteer, contact Victoria Andrews at 253-856-5113.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Victoria L. Andrews, Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services
253-856-5113
vandrews@ci.kent.wa.us

Norah Kates, Cascade Land Conservancy
206-905-6943
norahk@cascadeland.org

Kent & Cascade Land Conservancy Launch Green Kent Partnership

KENT, Wash. – September 2, 2009 – The City of Kent is the newest city to join the Cascade Land Conservancy’s Green City Network, the growing regional movement to recognize the need for a coordinated restoration effort of our forested parklands and greenbelts.

The Kent City Council voted Sept. 1 to make Kent the region’s fifth Green City Partnership.  A $95,000 grant from the King Conservation District will enable Kent to partner with The Conservancy to create a 20-year urban forest restoration plan. The first phase of the plan will be completed by December 2010.

Since 2004, the successful Green Seattle Partnership has provided important lessons on how volunteers can actively help re-establish and maintain healthy forested parklands.  Urban forest plans have been created and Green City Partnerships are now being implemented in Kirkland, Redmond and Tacoma.  Kent becomes the fifth city to make this long-term commitment to healthy urban green space and community involvement.

Kent Parks and Public Works Departments will use the Conservation District funds to include all City-owned forests and wetlands in the plan.  Once all lands have been surveyed and mapped in a Partnership process known as “tree-iage,” City staff will recruit and train volunteer stewards in the removal of invasive vegetation and planting of native trees and shrubs.  The mapping process helps identify high priority areas.

“Kent has a strong foundation to work with,” commented Jeff Watling, Director of Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services. “The stewardship that we have fostered through our volunteer programs over the years will serve as a great starting point for this work.”

“The Green City Network is an important part of The Cascade Agenda,” said Ara Erickson, The Conservancy’s Green Cities Director.  “We must make our forested parklands as ecologically viable as possible because they help to make our cities and towns great places to live, work and play.”

In 2005, The Conservancy and its many partners launched The Cascade Agenda, a 100-year vision and call to action to protect our quality of life by balancing urban growth/economic development with natural resource protection throughout the Cascades region.

The Green City program brings together volunteers, municipalities and experts to remove invasive plants and begin a restoration program to return areas to native trees and shrubs. The program addresses a serious problem facing cities in our region:  the loss of forest canopy to invasive species, which will eventually shrink the green places that make cities livable.

For more information about Kent Parks’ current volunteer program and upcoming events, contact Victoria Andrews at 253-856-5113 or vandrews@ci.kent.wa.us. To learn more about the Cascade Land Conservancy’s Green Cities program, contact Norah Kates, 206-905-6943 or visit www.cascadeland.org.

About the City of Kent: The City of Kent is the fourth largest city in King County, Washington with a population over 88,000. As a culturally rich destination, Kent’s dynamic quality of life features captivating neighborhoods, award-winning parks and nationally accredited police and fire departments. In recent years, Kent has experienced impressive economic growth, and is nationally known as a prime location for manufacturing. For more information, visit www.choosekent.com.

About the Cascade Land Conservancy: The Cascade Land Conservancy is the largest land conservation, stewardship and community building organization operating in Washington State with headquarters in Seattle and principal offices in King, Kittitas, Mason, Pierce and Snohomish Counties.  Founded in 1989, the Conservancy has protected over 158,000 acres of working forests, farmlands and natural areas as well as estuary lands on the Olympic Peninsula and along the Washington Coast.  It provides stewardship services, caring for more than 10,000 acres of land.  Since 2005 it has been the host organization of The Cascade Agenda, which links conserving great lands with creating great communities. For more information, please visit www.cascadeland.org.

# # #

Public Invited to Weigh In on the Future of Kent Parks
Workshop Planned for September 29, 6:00 – 8:30 PM

KENT, Wash. – September 3, 2009 – What changes would you like to see in our existing parks? What should be included in new parks or open spaces?  The public is invited to an informal, drop-in workshop on Tuesday, September 29, 6:00 – 8:30 PM at the Senior Activity Center, Room 6.

The purpose of the workshop is to gather input for the Parks and Open Space Plan update.  “The update solidifies our vision for Kent Parks and prioritizes our next steps for the short- and long-term future,” explained Jeff Watling, Director of Kent Parks, Recreation and Community Services.  “In order to do this and accurately reflect the needs of our changing community, we need to hear from our park users!”

So far, the Parks Department has completed a survey and started gathering information to write a draft of the plan.  Watling continued, “We want to continue to get more feedback from citizens about what they want to see over the next five or six years, and also 20 years from now, to make sure we are on the right track.  The input we receive will help us fine-tune the community’s needs, wants and priorities.”

At the workshop, staff will provide a brief summary of the survey results, a look at what has been completed thus far, and allow ample time to discuss how to move forward.  A draft of the plan is expected to be available for further comment by late October or early November.  For more information, contact Lydia Moorehead, Park Planner, at 253-856-5114 or lmoorehead@ci.kent.wa.us.

The City of Kent is the fourth largest city in King County, Washington with a population over 88,000. As a culturally rich destination, Kent’s dynamic quality of life features captivating neighborhoods, award-winning parks and nationally accredited police and fire departments. In recent years, Kent has experienced impressive economic growth, and is nationally known as a prime location for manufacturing. For more information, visit www.choosekent.com.

# # #

The Morford Family Carousel will soon become a welcome summer fixture at Town Square Plaza, located on the corner of 2^nd Avenue and Harrison Street in downtown Kent.  The season opens July 17^th and runs through August 30^th.  The carousel will also be open for its final spins Labor Day weekend, September 5^th – 7^th.

Public hours are Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.  The carousel may be available for private bookings during its scheduled closed days.  If interested, contact Victoria Andrews at Kent Parks, 253-856-5113 for more information.

For its debut summer season, the City of Kent is partnering with two local non-profits, DOS FC Premier Soccer Club and Kentwood & South Elite Cheer Boosters.  Proceeds raised from the $1.00 donation per ride will support the organizations’ ongoing missions serving youth.

The Morford Family Carousel is a 1940’s classic Venetian-style carousel with 19 beautifully painted, carved horses and three special seats, designed by the famous Bertazzon Carousel Company of Italy. In 2006, the Kent Parks Foundation invited the public to purchase the “naming rights” for individual carousel horses. These funds, along with donations from other sources, helped the Foundation purchase the carousel, which was then given to the City of Kent.

For more information, call 253-856-5110 or visit the City’s website at www.ci.kent.wa.us

The City of Kent is the fourth largest city in King County, Washington with a population over 88,000. As a culturally rich destination, Kent’s dynamic quality of life features captivating neighborhoods, award-winning parks and nationally accredited police and fire departments. In recent years, Kent has experienced impressive economic growth, and is nationally known as a prime location for manufacturing. For more information, visit www.choosekent.com.

About the Non-profit Carousel Operators

Dos FC Premier is the only premier soccer club in Kent providing the opportunity for over 400 boys and girls to play soccer at the highest level available in Washington state.

Kentwood & South Elite Cheer Boosters: Nationally ranked Kentwood Cheer comprises over 50 male and female athletes and is the largest high school program in Washington.  Their competitive teams are six-time state champions and have been featured on ESPN.  South Elite All-Star Cheer is home of the 2008 World Champions, with nearly 200 athletes of all ages and skill levels from all over the Puget Sound.

Kiwanis Tot Lot #1, located on the corner of First Avenue and West Crow Street, is one of the sites of Kent Parks’ summer playground program. A nice surprise awaits participating children this season – a brand new playground – and they will get to cut the ribbon when Mayor Suzette Cooke officially dedicates the playground at 1:00 PM on Thursday, July 2.

The City of Kent originally acquired the park property in 1949.  In 1965, the Kiwanis Club helped develop the park by purchasing and installing some play equipment.  Additional play structures were installed in 1977 and replacement play equipment in 1995, which is fairly typical of a playground’s “life cycle.”

Kent Parks served as the host of a WRPA (Washington Recreation & Park Association)- sponsored class that gave parks staff from other cities the opportunity to participate in a two-day playground installation.  Funded by a Community Development Block Grant, this project also includes the renovation of the basketball court, installation of a plaza area for the summer playground program and fencing.

Home Depot to Help Kent Parks Celebrate
National Trails Day:
$1,000 Grant for June 6th Event

KENT, WA – May 21, 2009 – The Home Depot has once again demonstrated its support of volunteer-based community projects by awarding a $1,000 grant to Kent Parks for its annual National Trails Day event.  Local Team Depot employees will also volunteer their time at the event.

Volunteers of all ages and abilities are invited to join Team Depot to help create a new accessible trail at Glenn Nelson Park on Military Road and South 268th Street on Kent’s west hill.  Other improvement projects are also planned.  Orientation is at 9:00 AM and the event concludes at noon.

Now in its 17th year, American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day is celebrated on the first Saturday in June.  Kent has participated in the event since 2000 and is among 24 cities, agencies and organizations in Washington planning trail improvement projects this year.  In 2008, volunteers refurbished a trail at Lake Fenwick Park and planted 40 native trees and shrubs near the north trail, contributing over 105 hours to the City and its Parks Department.

The Kent store and its management team, headed by Chuck Carolus and Jeremy Higgins, began partnering with Kent Parks in 2007 for National Public Lands Days.  Their corporate headquarters and the store donated a volunteer trailer, supplies and volunteer labor to construct modular retaining walls at Lake Fenwick Park. They have been participating in community events in our parks ever since.

Glenn Nelson Park was the site of National Trails Day in 2005.  The park was originally used as a pasture for the Seattle Fire Department horses.  King County deeded the property to Kent in 1964.  Between 1966 and 1968, the City worked to clear the area and haul in 2,200 yards of top soil, install fencing, waterlines and gates.  Play equipment, donated by the Kent Lions Club and the Cambridge Club, was installed by Boy Scouts as part of their Eagle Scout advancement projects.  Grants helped complete the park’s amenities, which include tennis courts, a soccer field, picnic shelter, restrooms and parking.

Volunteers are advised to bring work gloves and a shovel, wear sturdy shoes or boots (no sandals allowed) and dress for the weather, as the event is held rain or shine.  To register for National Trails Day and learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities at Kent Parks, please call 253-856-5111, email vandrews@ci.kent.wa.us or visit www.KentWAParks.com.

The Washington Recreation & Park Association (WRPA) has selected Town Square Plaza as Best Park in its class (population 35,000+). The award will be presented at the Association’s annual awards banquet, Thursday, April 30, at the Spokane Conference Center.
 
WRPA plays a vital role in promoting public support for parks and recreation and increasing awareness of the necessity to preserve, enhance, and utilize resources for a balanced lifestyle. The Association established seven awards to recognize organizations and individuals, both volunteers and professionals, for their contributions to the park and recreation field. 
 
Open since June 2008, Town Square Plaza’s 35,000-square-foot site was designed to link Kent’s historic downtown with Kent Station.  Its interactive water features, stage for performances, Farmers’ Market and multi-age appeal attract users from dawn to late evening during the summer months.  During the holidays it is the site of the Morford Family Carousel.
 
Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services’ Director Jeff Watling congratulated staff involved, saying, “Town Square Plaza was originally designed as the third phase of a development to include a hotel, condos and a parking garage.  Several months before work was set to begin on our plaza, the developer for the rest of the project went bankrupt, leaving the project with a half-constructed parking garage.  The City of Kent forged ahead and followed through on our commitments.  This award is particularly gratifying in light of the issues we overcame.”

Thanks to Victoria Andrews from the City of Kent for this information.

Kent Parks Hosts April Events:  Earth Day (April 18) and Arbor Day (April 25)

Calling all…

* students looking for community service opportunities
* church and corporate groups
* scout troops
* elementary students and their families
* neighbors and other individuals

* service clubs

Even though our weather has been, to say the least, unpredictable, crocus are blooming, leaves are popping out and we’re eager to begin our spring volunteer season. Our first two events are Saturday mornings, rain or shine (or snow), from 9:00 AM sharp until 12:00 noon:

Earth Day, April 18th at Lake Fenwick Park (park in the middle or south entrance, meet at the north entrance)

Arbor Day, April 25th at West Fenwick Park (park in the lot or across the street at Trinity Community Church, 3807 Reith Rd.)
The flyers explain what we will be doing.  A reminder: wear sturdy boots…absolutely no sandals or flip-flops!

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged: register yourself or your group no later than 3 days before each event. Thanks – that really helps us plan.

Please try to arrive at 9:00 AM for orientation and safety tips. Younger volunteers who can’t stay for the whole 3 hours can sign out whenever they need to. We’re expecting a big group for both of these popular events, so everyone’s cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Registration forms and info are available online.