Partners for Parks welcome new directors, cleans Springbrook

Ben Sclair | December 2, 2012

By Mary Dodsworth

Partners for Parks (PFP) recently welcomed new board members at their annual meeting. New members include: Sylvia Allen, Cynthia Balzarini, Bruce Dees, Clayton DeNault, John Lowney, Steve Mauer, Zach Miller, and Sally Saunders. The PFP Board is thrilled with the support and enthusiasm of our new board members!

Founded in 2001, Partners for Parks has raised over $200,000. Funds helped build the two restrooms at Fort Steilacoom Park. Our current efforts are supporting the purchase of additional property near Springbrook Park, located just outside the McChord gate area near Joint Base Lewis McChord. This area is geographically isolated and extremely low income. Over 80% of the people who live in this area live in poverty. The low-income residents in this community are particularly in need of no cost and healthy options. This expanded park site will provide year round recreational opportunities for local children and families.

At a recent work party, Partner for Parks board members and community volunteers helped clean up a property bordering Springbrook Park. A shed was torn down and piles and piles of waste, filling two 40 yard dumpsters, were cleaned up in no time at all. Over 8.62 tons of garbage was removed. The donated disposal value was over $1,200. Volunteers included the Partners for Parks Board, Lakewood First Lions and both Clover Park and Lakewood Rotary Club members along with Air Force personnel from JBLM. Coffee and snacks were provided by Forza Coffee. It’s amazing what can be done when the community comes together to support parks!

Partners for Parks is a collaboration of Lakewood service organizations, community groups, educational institutions, military partners and local businesses who come together for the purpose of assisting in the improvement of Lakewood area parks. To learn more about Partner for Parks please visit www.partnersforparks.net.