Local residents are encouraged to celebrate Parks Appreciation Day on Sat., April 26, by participating in a range of activities hosted by Pierce County Parks and Recreation and Metro Parks Tacoma. Here is a look at some of the local events planned to celebrate the annual event.

Pierce County

Forecasters are predicting typical spring weather, but Pierce County officials say volunteers will still brave the elements and turn out to help beautify a Pierce County park.

“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.”

This year, volunteers are encouraged to visit one or more of the following Pierce County parks between 9 a.m. and noon to participate in clean-up activities: Ashford Park (29509 State Route 706 East, in Ashford, Wash.); Chambers Creek Regional Park (8950 64th St. W., in University Place, Wash.); Orangegate Property (46th Ave. E. and 84th St. E., in Summit/Waller, Wash.); and Heritage Recreation Center (9010 128th St. E., in Puyallup, Wash.).

There is no need to pre-register. Volunteers can simply show up, check in with the site leader, and start working. Pierce County officials note 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.

More information is available online here.

Metro Parks Tacoma

In Tacoma, volunteers are encouraged to visit one or more of the following parks between 9 a.m. and noon to trim limbs, groom grounds, comb beaches, or plant more flowers: Puget Gulch (N. 36th and Alder St.); Swan Creek Park (56th St. and E. Swan Creek Dr.); Tacoma Nature Center (1919 S. Tyler St.); Titlow Park (8425 6th Ave.); Alderwood Park (208 Browns Pt. Blvd.); Charlotte’s Blueberry Park (E. 74th and E. D St.); McKinley Park (907 Upper Park St.); Point Defiance Park (5400 N. Pearl St.); Wapato Park (S. 68th and Sheridan); and Wright Park (501 S. I St.).

Individuals or groups with fewer than 10 participants can simply show up at 9 a.m. and check in at one of the designated park sites. Groups of 10 or more are asked to pre-register by contacting the liaison for the park they are interested in working in to help staff to prepare the site with adequate supplies for the work that will be done.

A complete listing of participating parks and park liaisons is available online at ParksAppreciationDay.net.