Office of the City Manager
City Manager Amy Arrington
Normandy Park’s Blue Star Memorial By-Way
As we prepare to celebrate Veterans Day on Friday, November 11th, I wanted to highlight the Normandy Park Blue Star Memorial By-Way.
The Blue Star Program honors all men and women that serve in the United States Armed Services, and we are honored to have one in Normandy Park. This program began with the planting of 8,000 Dogwood trees by the New Jersey Council of Garden Clubs in 1944 as a living memorial to veterans of World War II. In 1945, the National Council of State Garden Clubs (now NGC, Inc.) adopted this program and began a Blue Star Highway system that covers thousands of miles across the Continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii. The Blue Star was adopted because it had become an icon in World War II and was seen on flags and banners in homes for sons and daughters away at war.
The program also includes Blue Star By-Way Markers. These memorials are permitted in parks, historic sites, and other civic locations. And the city has a By-Way Memorial thanks to the Parkside Garden Club.
On July 4, 2001, Parkside Garden Club dedicated the Blue Star Memorial By-Way Marker at the Normandy Park City Hall in honor of our country’s veterans and service men and women. Club members raised the funds, obtained the marker, and created the flowerbed surrounding it. The Club continues to maintain the marker and the surrounding plantings.
If you have not seen the Memorial, please visit it. The Memorial is located at City Hall Park adjacent to the flagpole (just north of City Hall).
Donuts for Veterans
On Thursday, November 10th, the city and Parkside Garden Club invite you to Donuts for Veterans. The event will be from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Visit the Blue Star Memorial at City Hall Park that day for free coffee and a donut to honor our Veterans!
Be prepared for the Bad Weather
This time of year, you need to be ready for inclement weather. Here are some helpful tips to help you prepare:
- Always be aware of your surroundings – Alder and Cottonwood trees are notorious for dropping branches in the pacific northwest. During windstorms or rain events, this activity will increase. Contact a local arborist if you are concerned that one of your trees may be diseased or hazardous.
- Clear leaves and debris from grates – As leaves continue to fall, make sure they are raked up and disposed of with your yard waste. Leaves and lawn clippings can plug catch basins, ditches, and culverts, causing temporary flooding problems.
- Clean your gutters – Properly working gutters reduce the risk of clogged drains, water backups, and damage to your roof or foundation.
- Pick up after your pet – Disposing of pet waste properly prevents pathogens and nutrients from contaminating stormwater runoff.
If you have something to report, call City Hall at 206.248.7603. For after-hours emergencies, don’t hesitate to dial 911. Stay safe!
If you have any questions, please get in touch with me at aarrington@normandyparkwa.gov. Have a great week!
” This time of year, you need to be ready for inclement weather”
Amy Arrington, City Manager
City of Normandy Park
801 SW 174th Street
Normandy Park, WA 98166
(206) 248-8246 (Direct Phone)
Weekly Report – April 19, 2024
StormFest is back, and Support is needed!
Inspire the next generation of environmental stewards and motivate students to care about stormwater and their local streams! Community members are needed to support StormFest, an interactive stormwater festival for Highline Public Schools 6th-grade students.
Stormfest will be held in person on June 4th, 5th, and 6th at Des Moines Beach Park. And you can earn up to $500! As always, training, support, and lunch will be provided. If you need a refresher about the event and how much fun it is, check out the latest StormFest video from 2023. Can’t commit to all three days? Consider becoming a volunteer. Please apply for this opportunity by May 6th!
Why should you participate?
• Gain valuable, hands-on experience teaching environmental science to youth (great resume builder!)
• StormFest provides people a chance to interact with other local environmental professionals. You never know what kind of connection you will make!
• StormFest provides an opportunity to connect with the next generation of environmental stewards
Weekly Report – April 5th, 2024
Don’t forget to scoop up Pet Waste! This is the time of year when we start spending more time outside. We just wanted to remind you to be diligent in scooping up your pet waste…
Weekly Report – March 29, 2024
There is still time to take the 2024 Citizen Satisfaction Survey. We plan to close it on Friday, April 5th. If you have not already, take the survey and let your voice be heard. So far, we have received over 350 responses, with over 170 comments. Overall, the feedback has been positive.
