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Volume XVI, January 20, 2021
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Kent Parks eSports
 Did you know Kent Parks offers weekly eSports tournaments? While we cannot come together to enjoy sports as we usually would and our in-person programming options are limited, we're bringing the gaming fun online!
Every Friday, we host new eTournaments for some of the most popular online games. They are free to participate in, and all ages are welcome (and encouraged!) to join! The only requirement is that participants must have access to the game and online gaming capabilities.
CURRENT GAMING LINE-UP:
- Rocket League
- Mario Kart 8
- Super Smash Bros.
- Madden 21
Visit our Facebook events page to see details on upcoming tournaments!
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Valentine's Day STEAM Bags
 We’ve put together some fun (and delicious!) activities perfect for families with kids age 4-10. Each STEAM Bag will include science activities, art projects, goodies, a decorate-your-own valentine cookie kit, and more!
There is a limited supply of Valentine's Day STEAM bags. Families must pre-register to receive a bag.
Registered participants may pick up their bags on Thursday, February 11th from 4-6PM at the Kent Commons Community Center, located at 525 4th Ave N.
Scholarships are available; please inquire for details. For more information, call (253) 856-5000.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
MyKentParks.com/Register
Course: #72360
Fee: $12
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As we transitioned from 2020 to 2021, we couldn't help but to reflect on memories from years past.
One of our favorite memories was at Camp WALKAPALA in Summer of 2019. We journeyed out to Remlinger Farms with our campers, where all experienced riding a horse (many for the first time!). It was one of our favorite trips because it served as a fun and memorable experience for so many of our campers.
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What is YOUR favorite Kent Parks memory? We want to see! Email your photos to us at MyKentParks@KentWA.Gov with a short description for a chance to be featured on our social media accounts!
 Join us at Riverbend Golf Complex for a little fun, exercise, and relaxation! Book a tee time for a round at the 18-hole course, or come down to hit a bucket of balls at the driving range - we're open and ready for you.
If you are an avid golfer, consider joining our Men's Club or Ladies' Golf Association in 2021! Our golf clubs offer a multitude of perks to members - including freebies, preferred tee times, discounts, and more.
Riverbend Tournament Packages
If you are looking for a way to connect with your company, coworkers, friends or family, check out our 2021 Tournament Packages! Tee Time Tournaments are a safe and fun event option for groups to enjoy a round of golf (and compete against one another!). See the package details for pricing and more information.
Riverbend's 25th Annual Ball Buster
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Check out our upcoming tournament for a chance to win BIG! Our 25th annual Ball Buster tournament is Saturday, February 13. The entry fee is $130 per team.
Teams can consist of one amateur and one professional, or two amateurs. See the details and REGISTER!
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Fishing Report
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For the hardiest hardcore anglers there are a few local January opportunities! Winter Steelhead fishing continues in our local rivers; it’s been a tough winter so far with low returns but persistent anglers are finding few hatchery fish in the Snoqualmie and Skykomish rivers; focus your attention around the hatchery terminal areas. |
Puget Sound Beach fishers are finding fairly good fishing in the South Sound for both Cutthroat and Resident Coho. Gear anglers try small spoons like Crocodiles and Needlefish. Fly fishers small Clousers, Knudsen Spiders, and Krill patterns will draw attention from both species.
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In addition, Squid fishing is red hot on the local piers in the Central and South Sound this time of year.
Check out the WDFW website for details about how to catch, clean and cook squid. Bundle up, get outside and stay safe while recreating!
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Snowshoeing
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Snowshoeing is a fantastic way to get outdoors and enjoy nature during the winter. It's really easy to learn – if you can walk, you can Snowshoe! Equipment can be rented at several locations, including REI stores regionally and at the Nordic Centers.
Ranger-led walks are also available on weekends at both Snoqualmie Pass and Stevens Pass. Check the US Forest Service website for schedules and information.
Our regional Nordic Centers also have great Snowshoe-specific trails, which are also a great way to start.
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For information about trails, rentals, and hours of operation, visit the Snoqualmie Pass website, the Stevens Pass website, or the White Pass website.
Get out and enjoy winter safely on Snow Shoes!
Walking Through Winter – Gary Grant Park
“Feet First” has completed their guided walk series but will continue to feature a self-guided walk around the Kent area on a monthly basis. This month, they will be featuring Gary Grant Park, located on SE 208th Street here in Kent.
To enjoy your walk, turn left out of the park, walking north along the Soos Creek Trail; it soon crosses SE Lake Youngs Way on a crosswalk with lights. The trail ends just under 1.5 miles to the north for a complete out-and-back trip of just under 3 miles. The trail is all paved but contains some hills. For more information, contact Chris Ensor directly at ctrails@comcast.net
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Parks Planning & Development
Progress continues on the West Fenwick Park renovation! The new playground has been installed and construction for the futsal court is well underway. For more information on this exciting renovation, please visit the project page!
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Embrace the cold weather!
Try making ice balloons at home. Not only will you have some fun, you'll experience some beautiful-looking science.
To do this experiment, you'll only need balloons, liquid food coloring, salt, and a cookie sheet or baking tray!
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TRY IT OUT:
1. Place the end of a balloon over your faucet and fill with cold water until it is full about 3″ in diameter, then tie.
2. Place the balloon(s) in your freezer for 12 hours, or if it’s below freezing outside, place the balloon in the snow overnight.
3. Cut off the neck of the balloon and carefully peel it off, then put the ice balloon on a cookie sheet or baking tray.
4. Sprinkle a 1/2 tsp of salt on top of the balloon, then top with a few drops of liquid food coloring.
5. Watch the magic happen! Water will form around the salt, creating meandering patterns as it flows down the balloon.
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Big Corn
Artist: Peter Reiquam
It’s a great time to get out and discover Kent’s public art collection. The City Art Program brings artwork into public spaces, beautifying neighborhoods, parks, buildings, and streetscapes; creating a sense of place; and supporting economic development.
For this issue of the Kent Parks E-newsletter, we’re featuring “Big Corn” by Seattle-based artist Peter Reiquam. These larger-than-life, cartoon corn stalks are located as part of the Willis Street gateway at 74th Avenue South and Willis Street, just off of Highway 167.
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The project recalls and celebrates the history of the Kent Valley as a rich agricultural area.
“Big Corn” was recognized in 2007 by the Americans for the Arts – Public Art Network - Year-in-Review as one of the year’s outstanding public art projects nationwide.
Visit “Big Corn” and take a photo of yourself.
Let us know by posting it to Facebook or Instagram and tag it with #kentarts.
For more public art, check out our online map!
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Kent Creates hosts LOOKING FORWARD online exhibit
Happy New Year! We are bidding farewell to 2020 and welcoming 2021. The changing of the year is a time to look forward with wishes, goals, and plans for ourselves, our communities, and the world. For this Kent Creates exhibit, the Kent Arts Commission encourages artists and creative minds to be inspired by the mindset of looking forward. Show us how you’re looking forward and what you’re looking forward to in 2021!
The exhibit is open to any creative endeavor – photographs, paintings, poems, recipes, short films, songs, or stories – anything you can dream up. Submit your projects as part of the online LOOKING FORWARD exhibit at KentCreates.com.
The top 5 winners will receive a $200 honorarium, and their work will appear in the featured carousel on the Kent Creates home page. Deadline is March 31, 2021.
 Image Credit: © Ken Morris, “Morning walk – toward the bright way,” photograph
Kent Creates "2020 - Silver Linings" Exhibit Winners
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In our last online exhibit, we asked to see creative expressions of the “silver linings” people were able to find during an extremely difficult year.
We are pleased to announce the winners of the October-December Kent Creates online exhibit, "2020 - Silver Linings." Check them out below!
See all the winners at KentCreates.com.
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- "The Sun Always Rises," a mixed-media painting by Shay Anderson (pictured)
- "Morning Coffee," an illustration by Steven Kempkes
- "Rialto Bagpiper," a photograph by Michelle Gehlman-Teeter
- "Springer Spaniel," a watercolor by Lisa Rasmussen
- "Venus," a song/video by Jesse McDaniel, featuring dancers from Allegro Performing Arts Academy
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Senior Activity Center
We are excited to provide virtual programs every week for individuals age 50 and older. For questions or registration for any of our virtual programs, please email senioractivitycenter@kentwa.gov.
All virtual programs are presented by Valley Cities
Social Support Group
Mondays, 10:00 – 11:00am
Join us every Monday for this online (Zoom) group where you can meet new friends, talk about topics of interest or concern and receive support and encouragement.
This group is facilitated by Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care.
Grief Support Group
Wednesdays, 10:30 AM
Join us for this online (Zoom) group where we will discuss the five stages of grief, learn about healing and receive support and encouragement.
Virtual Tai Chi
Thursdays, 9:00 – 10:00 AM
Join us for this online Zoom group designed as gentle movement activities that will assist with better balance and less stress. Mindful meditation (which is part of Tai Chi) can help reduce the symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Be Well Workshops
Wednesday January 27, 1:00 – 2:00 PM
How to Safely Dine Out and Get Takeout During a Pandemic
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Check out the yummy snack options we've rounded up for you to try at home!
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