If you’ve been around Bonney Lake recently, you’ve likely noticed the colorful t-shirts dotting the streets, as groups of volunteers—young and old—banded together to clean up public spaces, plant trees, and trim overgrown brush. This is Beautify Bonney Lake, an annual event that has become a hallmark of community service, unity, and civic pride for the past two decades.
On September 21st, 2024, nearly 600 volunteers gathered to lend a hand in various beautification projects around the city. From sprucing up parks to landscaping key public areas, the impact was visible—and lasting. To learn more about this community-driven initiative, I spoke with Jessica Bennion, Chair of the Beautify Bonney Lake Board, who has been instrumental in organizing this year's event and shaping its future.
A Vision for a Cleaner, More Beautiful Bonney Lake
The origins of Beautify Bonney Lake trace back to 2004 when a group of local members from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints presented the idea to the City Council and the Chamber of Commerce. Their goal? To create a day dedicated to beautifying public spaces and fostering community collaboration.
Bennion explains, “The idea aligned perfectly with the vision of the city and local businesses, and that’s how Beautify Bonney Lake was born. Our mission is simple: to enhance the city’s natural beauty and improve the quality of life for all its residents.”
From cleaning up SR-410 and Allan Yorke Park in its inaugural year to landscaping the Ascent Gateway monument and improving trails near Bonney Lake Elementary, the event has continued to grow. “In 2004, we had about 200 volunteers. By 2005, we saw over 300. And now, we’re nearing 600 participants,” Bennion said, noting that they are striving to return to pre-pandemic numbers, which topped 700.
A True Community Effort
What makes Beautify Bonney Lake unique is the range of participants it attracts. While local high school teams, community-based groups, and businesses are regular contributors, Bennion emphasized that anyone can join. “This is not just a high school event,” she said. “It’s for everyone—families, businesses, students, and individuals alike. The more people we have, the more we can accomplish.”
Over the years, the event has garnered support from prominent local businesses such as Columbia Bank, Garden of Eden Puyallup, and Starbucks. The efforts not only save the city money—an estimated $25,000 in labor costs and materials since its inception—but also foster a sense of pride and ownership among residents. "This is something that brings people together and starts the process of involvement," Bennion said, echoing the sentiments of Mayor Neil Johnson, one of the event's early advocates.
Expanding the Vision Beyond Bonney Lake
As Beautify Bonney Lake celebrates its 20th year, its success has inspired neighboring communities to follow suit. “Beautify Buckley and Beautify Enumclaw have both started their own versions of the event,” Bennion shared. “They’ve made it their own, adjusting things to fit the needs of their communities, and each year, they’re growing.”
This ripple effect underscores the lasting influence of Beautify Bonney Lake as more towns look to replicate its model of community-driven improvement.
Looking Ahead: How to Get Involved
With nearly 600 participants this year, Beautify Bonney Lake continues to gain momentum. But as the event grows, so does the need for leadership. “We’re always looking for new board members and team leaders,” Bennion said. “As much as we love seeing participation increase, we also need more hands on deck to manage the different sites and tasks.”
For those interested in joining next year’s effort, information about how to get involved is readily available. “We have a website—beautifybonneylake.org—and a Facebook page where people can learn more about us, our sponsors, and our upcoming events,” Bennion added.
A Celebration of Civic Pride
When asked about her favorite part of Beautify Bonney Lake, Bennion didn’t hesitate: “The community coming together. There’s something really special about seeing everyone—families, businesses, students—all working together for the same purpose. It’s a day of service, but it feels like a celebration.”
As the program moves forward, Bennion and her board are committed to continuing the tradition of beautification and fostering a deeper sense of community involvement. With each year, the legacy of Beautify Bonney Lake grows, reminding us that when a community comes together, real, lasting change is possible.
For more information on how to participate or donate to Beautify Bonney Lake, visit beautifybonneylake.org or follow them on Facebook.
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