MOUNTLAKE TERRACE — About 28 volunteers attended the work party at Ballinger Park on Saturday, April 24, in honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day. Despite a rainy morning, these dedicated volunteer came prepared with rain attire, boots, gloves, and face coverings!
Mayor Kyoko Matsumoto Wright welcome the volunteers and noted that her friend’s husband was the founder of Earth Day back in 1970. Parks Superintendent Ken Courtmanch provided an overview of the assignments for the day, and Mountlake Terrace Ballinger Organic Garden (MLTBOG) gave away seeds and information near their garden behind Ballinger Clubhouse. Other volunteers ventured out in small groups to pull invasive weeds, prune and remove brush, and pick up litter throughout the park.
“Earth Day 2021 was the city’s first in-person event since the onset of the pandemic,” stated Community Relations Director Virginia Olsen. “It was so nice to see some of our long-time volunteers and welcome our new ones even with masks on.” Members of the City Council, Recreation Park Advisory Commission, the Neighborhood Park Improvement Subcommittee as well as the Mountlake Terrace Ballinger Organic Garden (MLTBOG) participated in the event along with city staff.
For more information about volunteer clean up events, please call Parks and Facilities Superintendent Ken Courtmanch at (425) 776-1811 or visit the city’s website at www.cityofmlt.com/604..
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