Kent Mayor Dana Ralph highlights spring events and Thunderbirds playoff matchup

In her latest weekly update, Kent Mayor Dana Ralph highlighted a series of community events and initiatives aimed at fostering engagement and celebrating local achievements. The meeting, held on March 28, 2025, served as a platform to reflect on past successes while looking forward to upcoming activities that promise to enrich the Kent community.

Mayor Ralph began by expressing gratitude to attendees of the recent State of the City address, which showcased the accomplishments of 2024 and set the stage for the year ahead. The event featured performances from local students, emphasizing the community's commitment to youth involvement and celebration of local talent. For those who missed it, the address is available for viewing on Kent TV 21 and Facebook.

A significant highlight of the update was the success of the Kent Thunderbirds, who have advanced to the playoffs with a record of 27-33-4-1. The team is set to face the Everett Silvertips in the first round, with games scheduled to begin on April 1. Mayor Ralph encouraged residents to support the team by attending home games, reinforcing the importance of local sports in community spirit.

As spring arrives, the mayor reminded residents to explore the newly released spring and summer parks and recreation guide, which offers a variety of activities for all ages. The park shelter rental program is now open, providing opportunities for families to host events in local parks. Additionally, the Kent Parks youth track program has commenced, running through early May, which is a cherished tradition for elementary students.

In recognition of community achievements, Martin Sartoon Elementary School was honored as a national Special Olympics Unified Championship school, highlighting Kent's commitment to inclusivity and support for special needs programs.

Upcoming events include a curbside cleanup initiative in April, allowing residents to participate in spring cleaning efforts, and a mini recycling event on April 11 at Hogan Park. The Kent Downtown Partnership is also organizing a spring scavenger hunt, encouraging families to explore downtown while supporting local businesses.

Finally, the Arbor Day Green Kent event on April 5 will focus on conservation efforts, including the removal of invasive species and planting activities, further promoting community involvement in environmental stewardship.

Overall, Mayor Ralph's update underscores a vibrant community spirit in Kent, with numerous opportunities for residents to engage, celebrate, and contribute to the city's growth and well-being. As these events unfold, they promise to strengthen community ties and enhance the quality of life for all Kent residents.