April 29, 2026
ISSUE 18
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Campground Eatonville Gets Ready for Community Closure in Day, Crowns New May Day Royalty Elbe Highlights Statewide Recreation Cuts C Staff Report
Staff Report
T
he Anderson Lake Campground near Elbe will be closed for the entire 2026 recreation season, a change that highlights broader reductions to outdoor access across Washington as the state scales back funding for public lands. The campground, commonly used by local residents and visitors heading toward Mount Rainier, is among several sites impacted by budget cuts to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Recreation Program. While Anderson Lake is a smaller site, its closure reflects a larger trend. DNR officials say more than $8 million has been cut from the recreation program over the past two years, including a more than 20 percent reduction in operating funds in 2025 and an additional $580,000 in maintenance funding eliminated during the 2026 legislative session. “We don’t want to be reducing recreation services, but legislative budget cuts, specifically to recreation maintenance, have forced these decisions,” Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove said in a statement.
LOCAL IMPACT, STATEWIDE PATTERN
The closure of Anderson Lake is one of the most immediate effects of the cuts. The site is often used as a quieter alternative to larger campgrounds near Mount Rainier and serves as an accessible option for local campers. Even though it is not a large facility, the loss of the campground reduces available options in an area that already sees high seasonal demand. DNR officials say closures are being prioritized at sites that are more difficult to maintain with limited staff, require additional travel time, or face existing maintenance challenges.
ADDITIONAL CLOSURES AND SAFETY ISSUES
In addition to budget-related closures, DNR has also announced that Margaret McKenny and Middle Waddell campgrounds in Capitol State Forest will remain closed for the 2026 summer season due to safety concerns. Both sites, located in Thurston County near Olympia, were found to have a significant number of trees infected with laminated root rot. The disease weakens trees and creates a risk of falling, prompting the agency to close the areas until hazardous trees can be removed. Together, the two campgrounds typically provide more than 50 campsites, along with day-use areas and trailhead access.
CLOSURE, 4
ommunity Day is back! The town will gather once again this spring for its 110th Community Day, a tradition that has been part of Eatonville life for generations. What started in 1913 as a community cleanup effort has grown into one of the town’s biggest and most recognizable events of the year. Back then, students and neighbors came together to clean up roads, fix buildings, and take care of the town. When the work was done, they celebrated. That celebration stuck, and more than a century later, it’s still going strong.
MEET THIS YEAR’S KING AND QUEEN
This year’s May Day Queen and King will be Eatonville High School seniors Trinity Wood and Santiago Ruvalcaba. Wood has been in Eatonville schools her whole life, serves as a cheer captain, and has
spent time helping lead cheer camps for younger kids in the community. Ruvalcaba has also made his mark at Eatonville High School, serving as senior class president and playing catcher for the baseball team. He’s also stepped in to help coach middle school players and support class fundraising efforts. The tradition of crowning a Queen and King goes back nearly a century. The first were named in 1926, and the Royal Court followed in 1936. For many families, it’s something they’ve seen siblings, parents, and even grandparents take part in.
A FULL DAY IN TOWN
As always, the day won’t just be about the coronation. After the ceremony, the Royal Court will lead the parade down Mashell Avenue, something that has become a staple of the day.
ROYALTY, 4
Pierce County Parks Hosts Full Lineup of May Events Staff Report
P
ierce County Parks is kicking May with a full schedule of community events, offering opportunities for residents of all ages to get outdoors, learn new skills, and connect with nature.
FARMERS MARKET RETURNS
The Village Farmers Market will return beginning May 3 and run through Sept. 27 at Frontier Park. The Sunday market operates from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature a variety of local vendors, produce, and handmade goods. Organizers say additional vendors and dates are expected this season.
NATURE AND FAMILY PROGRAMMING
On May 9, the Tahoma Bird Alliance will host a “Nesting Season” event at Meridian Habitat Park from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Participants can learn about local bird species during peak nesting season, take part in a guided walk, and explore hands-on activities such as nest-building and feather identification. The event is open to all ages, with a $5 participation fee. Families can return to Meridian Habitat Park on May 12 for the “Seeds and Trees” Park Pop-Up from 9 to 10:30 a.m. The event offers interactive activities led by the Natural Lands team, including planting trees, creating wildflower seed packets, and learning about plant growth. Participants will also be able to take home a plant to continue growing.
Live music and food return to the park on May 16 with “Beats and Bites of Washington,” running from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The event will feature DJs, live performances, and food vendors from across the state.
building, and camp cooking. Participants will also take part in games, a scavenger hunt, and group activities. Meals, including dinner, snacks, and breakfast, are included. The event will be supported by Scout Troop 274 and the Washington Trails Association, which will provide access to a limited gear library to help make camping more accessible for first-time participants. The campout begins at 2 p.m. on May 30 and concludes at 11 a.m. the following day. Registration costs $45 per group of four, with additional participants priced at $12 each.
LEARN TO CAMP
MORE INFORMATION
NIGHT MARKET
Frontier Park will host a new “253 Night Market” on May 14 from 5 to 8 p.m., featuring a variety of local vendors and food options. The event aims to provide a different evening market experience for the community.
LIVE MUSIC
The month wraps up with a two-day “Learn to Camp Campout” on May 30 and 31 at Frontier Park. Designed for beginners or those looking to refresh their skills, the overnight event will cover the basics of camping, including tent setup, fire
Most events are open to all ages, though some require registration or a small participation fee. Residents are encouraged to check Pierce County Parks’ event listings online for updates, registration links, and additional details.