Story and photos by Nancy Henderson
“Bark the Park” is a unique annual event to beautify Dr. Mary Perkins Park in Steilacoom. Dr. Perkins was the first woman doctor in town in the early 20th century.
The activity, organized by Ms. Roberta Black, Steilacoom High School French and Spanish teacher and adviser to the school’s National Honor Society (NHS), has been held every May for the past seven years.
A group of 19 energetic NHS students responded to the call, diligently spreading three cubic yards of bark over the area in little less time than an hour.
“The students really enjoy doing this, and do an excellent job,” Ms. Black beamed.
Equipped with shovels, rakes, and wheelbarrows, the students quickly became an effective landscaping team. While some shoveled bark into wheelbarrows, others raked the bark into place, taking special care to leave the beautiful array of daffodils (planted this past spring by members of Steilacoom’s Garden Club) at the park entrance sign unscathed.
The result is a noticeable improvement to one of Steilacoom’s showcase parks. A group picture of the participants is currently posted at the Lafayette Street Community Bulletin Board near the Bair Drug Store.
Thanks, Steilacoom HS National Honor Society students, for making our park more beautiful!
