A proclamation in celebration of Earth Day and Parks Appreciation Day

The Board of Park Commissioners adopted a proclamation at their regular meeting on Monday, April 14, in recognition of Parks Appreciation Day and Earth Day.

Parks Appreciation Day is hosted annually for community members to celebrate Earth Day by taking part in volunteer events at their local parks. On Saturday, April 19, there will be four events held across Tacoma where volunteers can show their love for parks.

WHEREAS, April 19 is recognized by Parks Tacoma as Parks Appreciation Day as a way to celebrate and care for our parks in conjunction with Earth Day, which takes place on April 22; and 

WHEREAS, caring for parks, natural spaces and Wild Life is essential to the health of our planet and its inhabitants; and 

WHEREAS, Parks Tacoma is committed to sustainability, restoration and conservation on a districtwide level. This is evidenced in our stewardship of natural spaces throughout Tacoma, leadership in zoological care and species survival initiatives, and intentional engagement and planning efforts to be a future-forward, green agency; and 

WHEREAS, Parks Staff, supported by passionate volunteers, work tirelessly on behalf of our city’s natural spaces by keeping parks clean of litter and invasive plants, planting and tending to native plants, and educating and inspiring community members to get involved caring for their local parks; and 

WHEREAS, our Zoological and Environmental Education Department plays a key role in the future of Wild Life and the environment by educating and inspiring community members to care for our natural world, providing exceptional care for animals at sister zoos Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, and leading national partnership conservation work through Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plans; and 

WHEREAS, Parks Tacoma works actively with our community to plan for the future of our planet. This can be seen in our work developing parks equipped to thrive in the face of climate change, transforming formerly polluted sites into green community spaces, and engaging with students across Tacoma to guide the development of our Climate Action Plan; and  

WHEREAS, community members are encouraged to take part in caring for our parks and planet by participating in Parks Appreciation Day on Saturday, April 19. Events are being held at four sites across Tacoma where community members and parks staff will show their love for our parks by restoring natural spaces.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Park Commissioners do hereby recognize and celebrate April 19 as Parks Appreciation Day and April 22 as Earth Day.

The foregoing proclamation was adopted by the Board of Park Commissioners of the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma at a regularly scheduled meeting held on April 14, 2025.