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Dispatch 06032026

Page 1

June 3, 2026

ISSUE 23

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Northwest Trek Celebrates Pride With Wildlife, Color and Community

experiences with wildlife, nature and community,” said Parks Tacoma Park Board President Matt Mauer. “From Pride celebrations and Slug Fest to immersive wildlife adventures and familyfriendly programs, these events create meaningful opportunities for guests of all ages to connect with the natural world and make lasting memories.” At Northwest Trek, Pride weekend will be visible throughout the park. Habitats will be decorated with rainbow colors as well as banners, paper chains and tissue paper accents representing communities within the LGBTQ+ spectrum. The decorations are not only festive for guests, they are also used as enrichment for the animals. Guests will also find colorful displays and a photo opportunity outside

NORTHWEST TREK, 3

Eatonville School District Strengthens Lifesaving Readiness Through Partnership With Kids Heart Challenge

ALLISON BURSLEM

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he Eatonville School District is proud to continue its long-standing partnership with the American Heart Association through the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs. For more than three decades, Eatonville students have participated in activities that promote heart health, physical wellness, and lifesaving education. This year, that partnership expanded even further with a districtwide effort focused on cardiac emergency preparedness and CPR education. Working alongside the American Heart Association and supported by Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, Eatonville School District recently completed a yearlong project to develop comprehensive Cardiac Emergency Response Plans for all five schools in the district. These plans are designed to ensure schools are prepared to respond quickly and effectively in the event of a cardiac emergency on campus or at athletic facilities. Cardiac arrest can happen unexpectedly to anyone,

CHALLENGE, 3

As Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad increases activity near Eatonville, residents are warned that the line is active railroad property JAAHNLIEB | DREAMSTIME.COM

KATIE COTTERILL - NORTHWEST TREK WILDLIFE PARK

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orthwest Trek Wildlife Park will celebrate Pride with a two-day celebration that brings together wildlife, community and colorful animal enrichment in Eatonville. The Pride celebration will take place June 6 and 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Northwest Trek. Throughout the weekend, animals will receive rainbowthemed enrichment, including colorful ice treats, fruit skewers and habitat decorations designed to engage their senses and natural behaviors. The event is part of a broader summer celebration at Northwest Trek and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, both operated by Parks Tacoma. “Summer at Northwest Trek and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is all about bringing people together through shared

the Cheney Discovery Center. Visiting partners, including the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Northwest Trek Zookeepers Association, are expected to be on-site with information about wildlife, conservation and community support. Animal programs will be scheduled throughout the weekend. On Saturday, guests can see badgers Poppy and Lavender during an 11:30 a.m. keeper chat, followed by bobcats Tanner and Tahoma at 1:30 p.m. On Sunday, skunks Marigold and Sundew will be featured at 11:30 a.m., followed by lynx Nuka and Omak at 1:30 p.m. The event gives families and visitors a chance to experience Pride Month in a setting focused on nature and education. Instead of a traditional parade or downtown festival, Northwest Trek’s celebration uses the park’s wildlife habitats, trails and natural surroundings as the backdrop. For young visitors, the weekend also offers a chance to learn about animal care and enrichment. Enrichment activities help animals explore, problem-solve and interact with their environment. During Pride weekend, those activities will take on a rainbow theme while still supporting animal wellness. The celebration continues later in June at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, which will host its own Pride weekend June 20 and 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. At Point Defiance, guests can join Pride Parades at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. each day. Visitors are encouraged to dress in Pride colors and march through the zoo.

Stay Off the Tracks

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ailroad activity is increasing along portions of the line near Eatonville, including areas near the Little Mashel River bridge and Boxcar bridge. Residents and visitors who walk, hike or explore in the area are being reminded that the tracks, bridges and surrounding right-of-way should not be used as trails. The warning comes as Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad continues rebuilding and expanding its operations under Western Forest Industries Museum, the nonprofit organization that now owns and operates the historic railroad. The railroad, based in Elbe, has been working to restore equipment, improve track conditions and bring more activity back to the line. The increased activity has renewed concerns about informal access along the railroad corridor, particularly in areas where people have used the tracks or bridges to reach nearby natural areas. The Washington State Department of Transportation warns that railroad tracks are private property, not public trails, and that it is illegal and dangerous to walk on or near tracks unless using a designated crossing. WSDOT also reminds people that trains cannot stop quickly or swerve to avoid people or vehicles on the tracks. The warning is especially relevant near Little Mashel Falls, where informal routes and varied land ownership can create confusion for visitors. Washington Trails Association notes that the land surrounding the falls is owned by multiple entities, including the University of Washington, the Town of Eatonville and the City of Tacoma. WTA also specifically states that the railroad above Tom Tom Falls is strictly off limits. Nearby Nisqually State Park is also currently closed for construction, with Washington State Parks advising visitors not to enter the park during the closure. The park closure adds another reminder for visitors to pay close attention to where they are walking and whether the route they are using is open to the public. Railroad bridges are a particular concern. They are not designed for pedestrian use, and there may be limited space to move away from equipment if a train, vehicle or maintenance crew approaches. Western Forest Industries Museum assumed ownership of Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad in 2022 after the former for-profit operator closed the attraction. According to the railroad, the line has carried more than 1.6 million passengers since 1980 and has long played a role in both local tourism and the preservation of railroad and logging history in southern Pierce County. The railroad’s current operations include scenic train rides departing from Elbe, with additional restoration and expansion work continuing along the line. As that work progresses, residents are being asked to treat the railroad as active infrastructure rather than a trail or recreation area. Anyone walking, hiking or exploring near the railroad corridor should stay clear of the tracks, bridges and railroad right-of-way. More information about Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad, train schedules and restoration work is available through the railroad and Western Forest Industries Museum.


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