Saturday, April 26, is Parks Appreciation Day in Pierce County and it should be a typical spring day in wet Western Washington. Nevertheless, the county’s Parks and Recreation Department knows that lots of volunteers will brave the elements and turn out to help beautify their communities from 9 a.m. to noon.

“This is an annual opportunity for residents to celebrate Earth Day, Arbor Day and National Parks Week, and to support their local parks during one fun event,” said Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy. “A little rain doesn’t bother us, especially when we’re called to help make a local park and recreation area a better place to play.”

Tony Tipton, director of Pierce County Parks and Recreation, said nearly 2,000 people volunteered their time across all parks within the county during last year’s Parks Appreciation Day. This year’s locations include:

• Ashford Park, 29509 SR 706 E in Ashford (view in map);
• Chambers Creek Regional Park, 8950 64th St W in University Place (view in map);
• Orangegate Property, 46th Ave E & 84th St E in Summit/Waller (view in map); and
• Heritage Recreation Center, 9010 – 128th St. E. in Puyallup’s South Hill (view in map).

Volunteers are encouraged to carpool to the sites they choose, and Tipton said there is no need to pre-register. Volunteers can simply show up, check in with the site leader and start working. Tipton added that it would be helpful if participants came prepared with trimmers, rakes, yard tools, and appropriate clothing to cut, pull, plant, and haul during the three hour timeframe.

For volunteer information, contact Cara Cross with Pierce County Parks at (253) 841-8515 or visit the Parks Appreciation Day website.