Pierce County Parks and Recreation Services and the Friends of the Upper Nisqually have teamed up to give the public a chance to name the county’s newest park in Ashford.

This long awaited park is located along Highway 7 just minutes from Mount Rainier National Park. Phase One of the 30 acre park is nearly completed. It includes a children’s play area, parking area, perimeter and interior trails, and a restroom facility. As funding allows, Phase Two construction will include an open play and picnic area with shelters, amphitheater and a large lawn area.

The community is invited to attend an “Ashford – Name the Park” public meeting on Thurs., March 4 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Ashford Fire Station, 29815 SR 706 E. in Ashford. The public can also submit names prior to the meeting at the park’s Web site at http://www.piercecountywa.org/parks .

Suggested names of the park will be presented to a panel comprised of Pierce County Parks and Recreation staff, Friends of the Upper Nisqually, and a member of the Pierce County Parks Citizens’ Advisory Board. Their deliberations will respect the county’s parameters for naming parks. The panel’s recommendation will then be presented to the Pierce County Council for final approval.