A dispatch from Anne Baunach, Vice President, Venture Philanthropy
On Thursday, November 10, I had the opportunity to participate in the dedication of the Peter B Lewis Lake Nature Park in Auburn, WA. This 9.2 acre site on the West Hill of Auburn provides a wonderful opportunity for residents to enjoy a half-mile walking trail around a serene lake within city limits.
The City of Auburn partnered with Forterra in 2012 to provide expertise in acquisition services as it related to the purchase of the property that was on the market. The two parcels, owned by Auburn Lake Investments, were offered for sale and proposed to be considered for up to 10 buildable lots.
Utilizing funding from King County Conservation Futures as well as City of Auburn resources the property was purchased and preserved as a valuable Nature Park that will benefit the community and environment for generations. Fred Glick, Landscape Architect worked with the neighbors and developed the Master Plan the is now featured in Pete Lewis Lake Nature Park.
The park features dozens of native plants. As well, the lake, located in the center of the park, has multiple species of fish. Residents can enjoy picnics as well as a two-seat swing that overlooks the lake.
Plans for the park include using it as an environmental classroom to provide interpretive programming on wildlife and vegetation. There are also communications happening with the three Auburn high schools on having either an AP Biology or AP Environmental Science class help to regularly test and maintain healthy aquatic life in the lake.
The park has been dedicated in honor of Peter B Lewis who served the City of Auburn as Mayor of the City of Auburn from 2002 – 2012 including the time when this land was acquired.
