Mayor’s UPdate, July 9

Debbie Klosowski, Mayor, City of University Place

Baseball hats, ice cream and sunglasses were out in force this week when Summer finally arrived in University Place! Due to the July 4th holiday, the usual Monday council meeting was canceled; however, city staff and volunteers continue work on a variety of activities. Here’s just a brief sample of some of the activities going on throughout our community.

The Duck Is Coming— I accompanied several UP for Art members on a visit to Artist Georgia Gerber’s Whidbey Island studio last week to check on the progress of the bronze Duck sculpture for Market Square.

Ms. Gerber, whose works include the Pig at Pike Place Market, displayed a clay version of the larger than life duck and ducklings.

Everyone was absolutely delighted by the sculpture which will eventually welcome residents and visitors to Market Square, just in front of our new Civic Building. Next steps involve making a mold which will be used to create the final bronze sculpture. The dedication of the Duck Sculpture is scheduled for Saturday, October 16. For more information, visit www.upforart.org.

Funding for the $30,000 bronze sculpture was made possible due to matching grants from UP for Art and a state grant restricted for use on the Market Square project. The UP for Art contributions resulted from donations received in memory of Terry Reim, a UP resident and businessman who was instrumental in the Duck Parade and other civic activities.

UP/Pierce County Council Forum—

Meet the candidates vying for the Pierce County Council seat representing University Place for the next four years at a forum on Wednesday, July 14, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at City Hall.

The League of Women Voters is sponsoring the forum which will include introductory statements, questions regarding UP issues and selected questions from the audience. Candidates hoping to replace current Council member Terry Lee (who is leaving due to term limits) include: Randy Boss, Stan Flemming, Todd Iverson, John Picinich, Betty Ringlee, Bill Sehmel, Chuck West and Larry Wingard.

The forum will also be broadcast on UPTV at a later date prior to the August primary.

Rain Gardens – It’s hard to think about rain during the sunny weather; however, don’t miss out on a great opportunity to learn how you can use your rainwater and help preserve the environment! Registration is still open for a free Raingarden Workshop on Tuesday, July13, from 6 pm to 8 pm at Narrows View Intermediate School, 7813 44th St. West.

Please register by contacting sbuter@cityofup.com.

Sun & Fun at the Beach – Strolling along a pebble strewn beach will soon be a reality in University Place. During a Pierce County Council meeting last week in UP, county representatives indicated the Bridge to the Beach will officially open on September 2nd. The 900-foot bridge, which crosses over the railroad tracks, will eventually extend over the water and onto a pier when funding becomes available.

Library– First floor tenant improvements for the new library are progressing and on schedule. The City plans to hand the keys over to the Library in December; however, it will take two to three months to move in all the books and furniture.

US Amateur – The countdown continues for the US Amateur, scheduled to take place from Aug. 23-29 at the Chambers Bay Golf Course and the Home Course in Dupont. Due to tournament preparations, the entire trail will be closed on August 20th and will reopen on August 30th.

People can purchase daily or weekly passes to the Amateur and will only be allowed to park at designated parking lots on the north and south ends of the course. No animals will be permitted on the property. Daily tickets are $25 and a weekly pass is $65. Don’t miss out on your chance to participate in this historic occasion in our community!

For more information, visit www.2010usamateur.com .

Vote for Kids – Vote online once a day every day to help raise $50,000 for the Playground by the Sound project. Pepsi is giving away money to projects that benefit local communities that receive the most votes.

Encourage your friends, families and co-workers to support this unique playground designed by local children which features a Galloping Gertie bridge, marine animals and other Northwest features. Cast your vote by visiting www.Refresheverything.com.

Curran Concerts – An appreciative crowd enjoyed a warm summer night under the trees listening to patriotic music provided by the Washington National Guard 133rd Army Band last week.

Two more concerts are coming up–“Fingertips” will provide a night of Motown and Funky blues on July 22 while “The Dead Edsels” will rock and roll the night away on August 12. Special thanks to Columbia Bank for sponsoring the free concerts from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Curran Orchard, 3920 Grandview Drive West. For more info, visit www.curranappleorchard.com.

UP Community Picnic

Pups in the Park

(Special thanks to Apple Realty and UP Veterinary Hospital for sponsoring these events!).

Celebrate UP’s Birthday at a Community Picnic on Saturday, August 7th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cirque Bridgeport Park. Although the UP Festival was cancelled due to budgetary issues, a group of citizens are spearheading a “Community Picnic” featuring free bands, the Reptile Man and a host of other activities. Bring a picnic and compete in the Best Picnic Basket contest or purchase food from vendors. During the same event, visitors can also check out amazing feats by skateboarders at the “Cirque Slam” skateboard competition along with wandering over to the 3rd annual Pups in the Park event. A pet parade begins at 10:15 followed by pet contests and doggie square dancing. This fun event is a fundraiser for SUNDogs which maintains the off leash dog park in University Place. Although the overall event is free, there is a $10 fee for pets wishing to participate in contests.

As always, I welcome your questions and comments. Please feel free to contact me at dklosowski@cityofup.com.

Enjoy summer!