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.

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.