By Teresa Herriman

The Courier-Herald

Beautify Bonney Lake organizer Andrew Lear was overwhelmed by the community's support of a recent one-day clean-up project.

"The response was better than expected," he said. "I was taken aback."

He had anticipated 100 volunteers would sign-up for the first ever event. Instead, 189 residents, business owners and city officials donated their time and talent Saturday.

Volunteers dressed in bright yellow T-shirt swarmed public parks and high-profile areas throughout Bonney Lake, waving enthusiastically to passing motorists who honked their approval.

"This is a wonderful project," park board member Leota Musgrave said.

She and a group of volunteers cleared grass and weeds at Ascent Park while others trimmed trees, bushes and grass at the corner of state Route 410 and 184th Avenue East. The largest group picked up trash and re-barked walking trails at Allan Yorke Park. They also weeded the picnic area.

"We have a good crop of dandelions and grass here," Musgrave said as she surveyed the rock-covered hillside at Ascent Park.

The event was so successful, Lear is already lining up sponsors for next year.

Future events are planned for the spring so schools can take part, he said.

"I'd like to thank everybody because there's no way any individual can pull it off," Lear added.

"I especially would like to thank the (Bonney Lake) Chamber of Commerce and treasurer Lillian McGinnis for their support. I believe there is a lot of good will that exists in the community. This is the perfect kind of vehicle."

Teresa Herriman can be reached at therriman@courierherald.com.