Letters to the Editor

Letter to the Editor | Appreciative of the help on Parks Appreciation Day

I’m writing to give a big shout-out and thank you to all the amazing individuals who helped with Park Appreciation Day on Saturday, May 4th. I am personally very grateful for the turnout that PenMet & City of Gig Harbor experienced this year from our community.

Just at the two PenMet locations, we had over 75 volunteers, that helped in getting rid of invasive weeds like blackberries, ivy, and Scotch broom. They also spread 70 yards of beauty bark and planted some nice native plants in the raised planters at our Sehmel Homestead Park.

It wasn’t just about the numbers above. It was about the heart and soul these community members and organizations put into it. From little kids to big families, everyone came together. Some community members even told me stories on how they enjoyed Sehmel Homestead back in the mid 1940s.

Thank you to the Rotary Club of Gig Harbor for not only the volunteer hours, but also the grant to help provide funding for plant materials in the raised planters, as well as the following community organizations that assisted in one way or another.

Rosedale Gardens, WSU Master Gardeners of Pierce County, Washington Patriot Construction employees & families, Daisy Troop #42339, and The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints Gig Harbor Stake for lending a hand too. It’s organizations and community members like these that help make our community shine bright.

I was joined by fellow commissioners Board President Missy Hill and Commissioner Laurel Kingsbury in planting a dogwood tree, marking the 20th anniversary of the PenMet Park District. I’m excited to watch it grow over the years, as I have with many trees on the homestead.

An extra big thanks to Robyn Readwin and all the PenMet Parks staff who put their heads together to make this happen. The success of the event shows the dedication you all put in planning it.

So, here’s to our community coming together and making our area parks even better. Let’s keep that spirit alive and kicking as we celebrate 20 years of PenMet in the community.

Billy Sehmel

PenMet Parks Commissioner #5

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