Pierce County hit with $207K in fire damage from improper use of fireworks
By Spencer Pauley The Center Square
Firework misuse over the Fourth of July weekend caused $207,000 in damages across unincorporated Pierce County.
There were four fireworks-related incidents over the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Three of those incidents occurred on July 4 alone. In one case, a wave boat and trailer in Puyallup were destroyed by fallout from fireworks.
In another case, spent fireworks placed in a trash container near a Puyallup home sparked a fire, damaging an exterior wall and the garage attic.
On July 5, fireworks lit by neighbors at a vacant manufactured home in Spanaway caused debris to ignite the structure and nearby vegetation, resulting in a total loss of the home.
Pierce County Fire Marshal Ken Rice told The Center Square that beyond the financial loss, “these actions put lives at risk, particularly those of our first responders, who are called into dangerous and preventable situations.”
Beginning this year, the burn ban for unincorporated Pierce County started annually on June 1. This change was implemented to provide consistency and allow residents to make plans, given fire risks typically increase in late May due to warmer and drier weather. The length of the ban can vary depending on fire risk conditions and typically stays in effect until mid to late fall.
This Stage 1 burn ban only applies to land clearing and burning of yard debris in unincorporated parts of the county. Barbecues and small recreational fires in established fire pits on private property and approved campgrounds are still allowed.
“The Fourth of July has passed, but not without serious incidents that underscore the importance of safety and responsibility during this holiday,” Rice emailed The Center Square. “As we’ve seen year after year, some individuals choose to ignore the rules, purchasing and discharging fireworks that are illegal to possess or use in unincorporated areas.”
The Pierce County Fire Prevention Bureau has seized about $3,000 worth of illegally sold fireworks this year, according to Rice.
“As always, we urge the community to be respectful, responsible, and law-abiding when it comes to fireworks; please use only legal fireworks and only during the approved discharge times and dates,” Rice said. “Let’s work together to keep our neighborhoods safe during the holidays.”
The burn ban remains in place until further notice. The end date is determined by weather and ground conditions. In 2024, the burn ban lasted from June 1 to Sept. 20.
50 WILD YEARS
Northwest Trek marks half-century with festivities on July 19–20
Submitted
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park will celebrate its 50th anniversary this summer, marking five decades of connection, conservation, and community built on the extraordinary legacy of one visionary family.
On Aug ust 23, 1971, Dr. David “Doc” and Connie Hellyer donated the land that would become Northwest Trek Wildlife Park to Parks Tacoma. Their vision was clear: to create a place where people, especially children, could experience the beauty of wild animals in their natural setting. On July 17, 1975, their dream came to life as Governor Dan Evans wielded a chainsaw to open the park in a symbolic log-cutting ceremony.
Now, 50 years later, Northwest Trek spans 725 acres, with 435 of those dedicated to a Free-Roaming Area for American bison, Roosevelt elk, mountain goats and more. It’s become a
beloved place for both animals and people, drawing generations of guests into deeper connection with the natural world.
"This place is the dream of a children’s doctor and his wife,” said Connie Anne Hellyer, one of the donors’ three daughters.
“They saw that their land, with its many
Gov. Daniel J. Evans officially opened Trek in July 1976. The ceremony featured cutting a log instead of a ribbon.
A gray wolf celebrates a recent birthday at the park.
FIND IT FAST SERVICE DIRECTORY
By Skip Smith Contributing Writer
The Eatonville Cruiser cross country team took on a challenge unlike any other this past weekend, joining thousands of runners from across the region in the Ragnar Relay Pacific Northwest Passage, a grueling 200-mile, two-day team relay spanning from Blaine to Whidbey Island.
The Eatonville squad, led by head coach Geoff Olson, included seven Eatonville High School runners, along with one runner each from Rogers High School and Battle Ground High School, plus a family friend and two coaches — Olson and Jessica Morrish. The 12-member team navigated the demanding terrain and heat to place an impressive 28th overall out of
273 teams, 22nd in the standard division, and 10th in the mixed open standard division.
The journey to Ragnar began long before the first leg was run. To cover race entry fees and travel costs, the team chopped and sold firewood, putting in hours of hard labor to make the trip possible.
“All twelve of us ran three legs each,” Olson said. “Some legs were short and fast, others long and hilly, but every runner pushed through. It’s pretty impressive how well we did considering it was in the high 80s during the day — except at night when it dropped to a really cold 65.”
The Ragnar Northwest Passage Relay
does so by accepting books and other donations and conducting book sales during the year. All of the funds are used to supplement the various library programs that enrich the local community.
To learn more about the group, contact Mike Eaton at 253-310–7709 or reach him in person at the library any Friday. There is no obligation. Application forms to join the organization are available at the library.
The Eatonville team poses in front of the finish line at the Ragnar Relay event. The team finished in the top 10 of 144 teams in their division.
Savvy Senior: Beware of the Medicare Advantage trap
By Jim Miller
Dear Savvy Senior,
I will be enrolling in Medicare in a few months and would like to know if I initially enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, am I able to switch back to original Medicare and get a supplemental (Medigap) policy and prescription drug plan later with without paying a fine?
— Almost 65
Dear Almost, You won’t be subject to any fines for switching Medicare plans, but you will be subject to medical underwriting for the supplemental (Medigap) policy. That means the private insurance companies that offer these plans can deny you coverage or charge you a lot more for preexisting conditions. This is known as the Medicare Advantage trap. Here’s what you should know.
UNDERSTANDING MA PLANS
Medicare Advantage plans (also known as Medicare Part C) are government approved health plans sold by private insurance companies that you can choose in place of original Medicare. The vast majority of Advantage plans are managed-care policies such as HMOs or PPOs that require you to get your care within a network of doctors.
If you join an Advantage plan, the plan will provide all your Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) coverage like original Medicare does. But many Advantage plans also offer extra health perks like dental, hearing and vision coverage along with gym/fitness memberships, and most plans include prescription drug coverage too.
Medicare Advantage plans are also cheaper than if you got original Medicare, plus a separate Part D drug plan and a Medigap policy. This can be very attractive to new enrollees who are relatively healthy and don’t require much medical care.
But the benefits and networks of
Advantage plans can change from year to year. And if you get care outside the networks, you’ll usually pay more –sometimes a lot more. Advantage plans are also criticized for pre-authorization requirements which can delay or deny patient access to medical care.
The rap on Medicare Advantage has always been that they’re great when you’re healthy and don’t require much health care, but depending on the plan, may not be so great if you get sick.
With original Medicare, benefits remain the same and you can use any provider that accepts Medicare (most doctor’s do). But original Medicare has coverage gaps (deductibles, coinsurance and copayments) that can be very expensive, which is why you’ll need a supplemental (Medigap) plan offered by a private insurer.
If you opt for original Medicare when you’re first eligible, insurers are required to issue you a Medigap policy and can’t charge you more based on your health status. In most states, Medigap plans are automatically available only in the first six months after an enrollee becomes eligible for Medicare.
But if you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan when you’re first eligible, you’ll miss the Medigap enrollment window, which means an insurer can refuse to write you a Medigap policy or charge you a lot more for signing up later. And in case you’re wondering, you can’t buy a Medigap policy while you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan.
There are, however, four states — Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine and New York — that prohibit insurers from denying a Medigap policy to eligible applicants, including people with pre-existing conditions.
For information on how Medigap works, visit Medicare.gov/ health-drug-plans/medigap.
Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.
Stage 2 burn ban in place for Pierce County
Submitted
A Stage 2 burn ban is in place in Pierce County, effective immediately, the county recently said in a news release.
The Pierce County Fire Marshal, in partnership with local fire chiefs, has declared the Stage 2 burn ban in response to dry conditions on
the ground and ongoing fires in western Washington. The elevated burn ban will remain in effect until conditions improve, and the fire marshal and fire chiefs determine it is safe to resume outdoor burning.
Pierce County issued a Stage 1 burn ban in June. Under the Stage 2 burn ban, no outdoor burning is permitted, including recreational burn
pits, backyard fire pits, or backyard fireplaces, in unincorporated Pierce County.
Charcoal in grills, gas and propane grills and heaters, and pellet grills/smokers are allowed if they are on a noncombustible surface.
Residents of incorporated Pierce County cities and towns are encouraged to contact their local jurisdiction for burn requirements.
State NFIB director applauds permanent status for Small Business Tax Deduction
By Brett Davis The Center Square
Patrick Connor, Washington state director for the National Federation of Independent Business, views the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index staying steady in June — a slight decrease of 0.2 points to 98.6 — as a positive sign for small business owners in the Evergreen State.
This is mainly because the 2017 Small Business Tax Deduction was made permanent in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4. The deduction allows eligible owners of certain pass-through businesses to deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income. It was part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, passed by Congress during Trump’s first term.
“Now that the Small Business Deduction has been made permanent and will not expire at the end of the year, that should improve the outlook for Main Street entrepreneurs in future Optimism Index readings,” Connor said in a news release. “Permanency also provides a badly needed counterbalance to all the tax increases the Washington Legislature just imposed.”
This session, the Washington State Legislature approved a significant package of tax increases. The new taxes and fees are estimated
X-COUNTRY
From page 2
to raise between $9.4 billion and $12.5 billion over the next four years. The package includes increases to capital gains taxes, estate taxes and sales taxes on various business services.
Majority party Democrats defended the increased taxes, arguing they are necessary to fund essential public services, particularly education and to address wealth inequality.
Republicans have been critical, claiming the tax hikes will disproportionately impact businesses, working families and those with lower incomes, and will contribute to rising living costs.
The small dip in the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index suggests that overall optimism among small business owners is holding
is known for its breathtaking yet punishing course that winds through Deception Pass, Anacortes, and alongside the Puget Sound, with views of both the Cascade and Olympic Mountains. Teams of 12 take turns running 36 total legs, split across two vans, with each runner covering three legs totaling between 8 and 22 miles.
The Eatonville group clocked a final time of 25 hours, 57 minutes and 19
steady.
The 98.6 figure is just below the forecast of 98.7 but still above the 51-year average of 98. The index remained stable overall, although a notable increase in small business owners reporting excess inventories contributed to the slight dip, according to NFIB.
Taxes remain a significant concern for small businesses, with 19% of owners citing them as their single most important problem.
“Small business optimism remained steady in June while uncertainty fell,” NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg said in a news release. “Taxes remain the top issue on Main Street, but many others are still concerned about labor quality and high labor costs.”
seconds, navigating rolling hills, tight exchanges, sleep deprivation, and punishing temperatures.
“We had the best drivers in the whole race — hands down,” Olson said, giving special credit to Morrish and Peter Lowe, who coordinated van support and logistics.
“They were a huge part of our success.”
The race, part athletic feat and part road trip adventure, also had runners participating in a festival-like atmosphere, with decorated vans, team cheers, and glowing night runs across landmarks like Deception Pass.
ADOBE STOCK
ADOBE STOCK
instrument secured, and as are provided by statute. V. The above described real property will be sold to satisfy the expense of sale and the obligation secured by the Deed of Trust as provided by statute. Said sale will be made without warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession or encumbrances on July 25, 2025. The defaults referred to in Paragraph III must be paid by July 14, 2025, (11 days before the sale date) to cause a discontinuance of the sale. The sale will be discontinued and terminated if at any time before July 14, 2025 (11 days before the sale) the default as set forth in Paragraph III is paid and the Trustees’ fees and costs are paid. Payment must be in cash or with cashiers’ or certified checks from a State or federally chartered bank. The sale may be terminated any time after the July 14, 2025 (11 days before the sale date) and before the sale, by the Borrower or Grantor or the holder of any recorded junior lien or encumbrance by paying the entire principal and interest secured by the Deed of Trust, plus costs, fees and advances, if any, made pursuant to the terms of the obligation and/or Deed of Trust, and curing all other defaults. VI. A written Notice of Default was transmitted by the current Beneficiary, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation as Trustee for the benefit of the Freddie Mac Seasoned Credit Risk Transfer Trust, Series 2021-2 or Trustee to the Borrower and Grantor at the following address(es): ADDRESS ARNOLD R. JOHNSON JR. 602 8TH STREET NW, PUYALLUP, WA 98371 ARNOLD R. JOHNSON JR. 1418 20TH AVE. SW, PUYALLUP, WA 98371 ARNOLD
R. JOHNSON JR. 6702 N PARKVIEW LN, TACOMA, WA 98407-1367 BAR-
BARA E. JOHNSON 602 8TH STREET NW, PUYALLUP, WA 98371
BARBARA E. JOHNSON 6702 N PARKVIEW LN, TACOMA, WA 984071367 OCCUPANT 602 8TH STREET NW, PUYALLUP, WA 98371 CITY OF PUYALLUPMUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION BUILDING 333 S MERIDIAN, PUYALLUP, WA 98371 STATE OF WASHINGTON C/O JASON L
WOEHLER ATTORNEY AT LAW, 15127 NE 24TH ST #403, REDMOND, WA 98052-5544 HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF THE ESTATE OF BARBARA ANN JOHNSON 602 8TH STREET NW, PUYALLUP, WA 98371
HOLLY A HITES 602 8TH ST NW, PUYALLUP, WA 98371-4212 ARNOLD R JOHNSON 1418 20TH AVE SW, PUYALLUP, WA 98371 ARNOLD R JOHNSON 602 8TH STREET NW, PUYALLUP, WA 98371 ARNOLD R JOHNSON 6702 N PARKVIEW LN, TACOMA, WA 98407-1367 ARNOLD R JOHNSON PO BOX 116, PUYALLUP, WA 98371-0012 JULI A JOHNSON 13618 68TH AVENUE CT E, PUYALLUP, WA 98373-8704 MICHAEL RAYMOND JOHNSON 1418 20TH AVE SW, PUYALLUP, WA 98371-7302 TAMARA TAORMINA PO BOX 4463, SPANAWAY, WA 98387
PAMELA JEAN TEIGE 216 PUYALLUP AVE # 112, TACOMA, WA 984211114 THE ESTATE OF BARBARA ANN JOHNSON 602 8TH STREET NW, PUYALLUP, WA 98371 by both first class and certified mail on February 14, 2025, proof of which is in the possession of the Trustee; and the Borrower and Grantor were personally served with said written Notice of Default or the written Notice of Default was posted February 13, 2025 in a conspicuous place on the real property described in Paragraph I above, and the Trustee has possession of proof of such service or posting. VII. The Trustee whose name and address are set forth below will provide in writing to anyone requesting it, a statement of all costs and fees due at any time prior to the sale. VIII. The effect of the sale will be to deprive the Grantor and all those who hold by, through or under the Grantor of all their interest in the above described property. IX. Anyone having any objections to this sale on any grounds whatsoever will be afforded an opportunity to be heard as to those objections if they bring a lawsuit to restrain the sale pursuant to RCW 61.24.130. Failure to bring such a lawsuit may result in a waiver of any proper grounds for invalidating the Trustees’ Sale. X. Notice to Occupants or Tenants. The purchaser at the Trustee’s sale is entitled to possession of the property on the 20th day following the sale, as against the Grantor under the deed of trust (the owner) and anyone having an interest junior to the deed of trust, including occupants who are not tenants. After the 20th day following the sale the purchaser has the right to evict occupants who are not tenants by summary proceedings under chapter 59.12 RCW. For tenantoccupied property, the purchaser shall provide a tenant with written notice in accordance with RCW 61.24.060. Notice to Borrower(s) who received a letter under RCW 61.24.031: THIS NOTICE IS THE FINAL STEP BEFORE THE FORECLOSURE SALE OF YOUR HOME. Dated: March 21 , 2025 MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee
contact MTC Financial Inc. DBA Trustee Corps Order Number 110720, Pub Dates: 06/25/2025, 07/16/2025, EATONVILLE DISPATCH
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY In Re The Estate of: Olson, Pamelia Louise Schwannecke Deceased. 254-04623-8 SEA PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) (NTCRD) The person named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this Estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: July 16, 2025
Personal Representative Print Name: Stephanie L. Dallas Address for Mailing or Service: Stephanie L. Dallas 2215 12th Ave. E, Seattle, WA 98102 Court of probate proceedings and cause number: King County Superior Court 25-4-04623-88 SEA Published in the Tacoma Weekly & Dispatch July 16, 23 & 30, 2025
NOTICE CITY OF PUYALLUP PUB-
LIC HEARINGS City of Puyallup, Washington
Notice is given that the Puyallup City Council will hold a public hearing to receive public comment on the interim zoning regulations adopted under Ordinance No. 3323, which address middle housing allowances in accordance with House Bill (HB) 1110. This public hearing is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
The public hearing will be held in the City Council Chambers located on the 5th floor of City Hall at 333 S. Meridian. The meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. and can be viewed in person or via livestream (city website, Zoom, or YouTube). Information on how to access the meeting virtually will be added to the agenda and published on the City’s website by 3:00 p.m., on the Thursday preceding the meeting.
Written comments will be accepted at info@puyallupwa.gov until 5:30 p.m. on July 22, 2025 and distributed to the City Council before the meeting. For additional information please contact the City Clerk by phone at 253841-5480 or email at Dvessels@puyallupwa.gov.
DAN VESSELS JR. CITY CLERK
Published in the Tacoma Weekly & Dispatch July 16, 2025
NOTICE CITY OF PUYALLUP REVISED PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that the Puyallup City Council will conduct a public hearing on a proposal to vacate a certain portion of 2nd St SE between E Meeker and E Main St.
This public hearing will be conducted at the regular City Council meeting on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as possible, at the Council Chambers in Puyallup City Hall, 333 S. Meridian, Puyallup, Washington, 98371. All citizens are welcome to speak or provide written comments regarding the proposed vacation. Written comments should be addressed to the City Clerk, City of Puyallup, 333 South Meridian, Puyallup, WA, 98371. Additional information may be obtained from the Public Works Engineering Division at 841-5577. Dan Vessels Jr. City Clerk
Published: The Tacoma Weekly & Dispatch, July 9, 2025, and July 16, 2025
Pierce College Library is deaccessioning outdated reference materials and portions of our print literary criticism collection. Per RCW 28A.335.180, this is public notice to our K-12 colleagues offering the materials to another institution. If any agency is interested, please respond within 30 days of this ad. Boxing up books, shipping or pickup is your responsibility. Please contact Kelly Gardner for collection details or to express interest: kgardner@pierce.ctc.edu. Published in the Tacoma Weekly & Dispatch July 16, 2025
Superior Court of Washington, County of Pierce In re: Petitioner/s (person/s who started this case): Anthony Bass And Respondent/s (other party/parties): Rachel Riley No. 24-3-015123 Summons Served by Publication (SMPB) Summons Served by Publication To (other party’s name/s): Rachel Riley I have started a court case by filing a petition. The name of the Petition is: Divorce You must respond in writing
if you want the court to consider your side. Deadline! Your Response must be filed and served within 60 days of the date this Summons is published: June 11, 2025. If you do not file and serve your Response or a Notice of Appearance by the deadline: • No one has to notify you about other hearings in this case, and • The court may approve the requests in the Petition without hearing your side (called a default judgment). Follow these steps: 1. Read the Petition and any other documents that were filed at court with this Summons. Those documents explain what the other party is asking for. 2. Fill out a Response on this form (check the Response that matches the Petition): [x] FL Divorce 211, Response to Petition about a Marriage. 3. Serve (give) a copy of your Response to the person who filed this Summons at the address below, and to any other parties. You may use certified mail with return receipt requested. For more information on how to serve, read Superior Court Civil Rule 5. 4. File your original Response with the court clerk at this address: Superior Court Clerk, Pierce County 930 Tacoma Avenue South Tacoma, WA 98402 5. Lawyer not required: It is a good idea to talk to a lawyer, but you may file and serve your Response without one. Person filing this Summons or his/her lawyer fills out below: /s/ Anthony Bass Date 6/3/2025 I agree to accept legal papers for this case at (check one): Email (if applicable): Jesusistheway253@gmail.com [x] the following address (this does not have to be your home address): 10617 15th Ave Ct. South Tacoma, WA 98444 (If this address changes before the case ends, you must notify all parties and the court in writing. You may use the Notice of Address Change form (FL All Family 120). You must also update your Confidential Information Form (FL All Family 001) if this case involves parentage or child support.)
Note: You and the other party/ies may agree to accept legal papers by email under Superior Court Civil Rule 5 and local court rules. This Summons is issued according to Rule 4.1 of the Superior Court Civil Rules of the state of Washington. Published in the Tacoma Weekly & Dispatch June 11, 18, 25, July 2, 9 & 16, 2025
Superior Court of Washington, County of Pierce. In re: Guardianship of Oh’mari Kim Sar. No. 25-4-01280-1.
Summons Served by Publication. To: John Doe. I have started a court case by filing a petition. The name of the Petition is: Guardianship of Oh’mari Kim Ieng Seday Sar. You must respond in writing if you want the court to consider your side. Deadline! Your Response must be filed and served within 60 days of the date this Summons is published: June 25, 2025. If you do not file and serve your Response or a Notice of Appearance by the deadline: no one has to notify you about other hearings in this case; and the court may approve the requests in the Petition without hearing your side (called a default judgement). Follow these steps: 1. Read the Petition and any other documents that were filed at court with this Summons. Those documents explain what the other party is asking for. 2. Fill out a Response to this form: Response to Petition for Minor Guardianship. You can get the Response form and other forms you may need at the Washington State Courts website: www.courts.wa.gov/forms; Washington Law Help: www.washingtonlawhelp.org; or the Superior Court Clerk’s office or county law library (for a fee). 3. Serve (give) a copy of your Response to the person who filed this Summons at the address below, and to any other parties. You may use certified mail with return receipt requested. For more information on how to serve, read Superior Court Civil Rule 5. 4. File your original Response with the court clerk at this address: Pierce County Superior Court, 930 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma, WA, 98402. 5. Lawyer not required: It is a good idea to talk to a lawyer, but you may file and serve your Response without one. Jessica Palmatier, 5101 N 9th St Tacoma WA, 98406 June 12, 2025.
Published in the Tacoma Weekly & Dispatch June 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2025
Tacoma Towing LLC, Public Vehicle Auction on Thursday, July 24, 2025, 9118 39th Ave SW, Lakewood, WA 98499. Viewing at 12:00 PM. Auction at 1:00 PM. Contact 253-582-6300 for Vehicle Details. Published in the Tacoma Weekly & Dispatch July 16, 2025
A HELPING HAND
Beverly Krueger (Osborn) recently sent a note to The Dispatch: “My son is buried at the Eatonville cemetery — Daryl Osborn; he passed away in 1975. Me and my son (Joe Osborn) were at the cemetery taking flowers to his gravesite; while we were there, we noticed a woman cleaning headstones. Beverly Baublits was her name, and she was a dirty mess from working so hard cleaning off headstones.”
TREK
From page 1
day through award-winning exhibits like Eagle Passage, a majestic home for rescued bald eagles, and unforgettable encounters with orphaned wildlife like grizzly bears Hawthorne and Huckleberry. The wildlife park is home to many animals with moving rescue stories, each one deepening visitors’ empathy and understanding of nature.
“From the very beginning, our mission has been to cultivate a connection to wildlife,” said Rick Dietz, Deputy Director of Northwest Trek. “That legacy is alive in every animal we care for, every guest inspired on a tram ride, and every child who plays and learns at the Kids’ Trek playground. The Hellyers entrusted us with this land, and we honor that gift every single day.”
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
As Northwest Trek looks to the future, one thing remains constant: a deep commitment to being active and respectful stewards of the land and its gifts. This stewardship began with the Coast Salish People, who have nurtured and respected this landscape since time immemorial. Today, that tradition lives on as Northwest Trek honors both the enduring culture and heritage of the Coast Salish People and the Hellyer family’s generous gift. With a steadfast dedication to connecting people with the wild, Northwest Trek continues to inspire a shared responsibility to protect and preserve nature for generations to come.
Northwest Trek is a facility of Parks Tacoma, an entity governed by a fivemember Board of Park Commissioners, who guide its mission and vision with a strong commitment to public service and conservation.
“Northwest Trek is a treasure, not just for Pierce County, but for the entire Pacific Northwest,” said Andrea Smith, President of the Park Board. “It stands as proof that when a community comes together around a shared love for wildlife and the outdoors, amazing things happen.”
50TH CELEBRATION EVENT DETAILS
Northwest Trek’s anniversary celebration will take place the weekend of July 19–20, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with fun activities for the whole family, including a historical photo scavenger hunt, birthday hat crafts, memory sharing, and special keeper chats with raccoons, grizzly bears, porcupines, and gray wolves. Guests can also enjoy unscheduled 50th birthday enrichment treats for animals throughout the park.
To learn more about Northwest Trek’s history and the planned celebrations, visit nwtrek.org.
