Mayor Dana Ralph delivered a brief weekly update highlighting spring events and city programs, from park rentals and youth sports to recycling and an Arbor Day volunteer event.

Ralph said the City of Kent’s State of the City address drew a large audience and is available online, and urged residents to use the city’s parks and recreation resources as warmer weather arrives. "If you missed it, you can still go back and watch it," she said.

The mayor called attention to local recreation and volunteer opportunities that begin in April and run through the spring. She said the city’s youth track program opened Monday; the program runs Monday through Thursday evenings from March 24 through May 8 at Wilson Playfields. Ralph encouraged families to view the spring–summer parks and recreation guide and register for programs through the city’s parks registration site.

Ralph noted that the Thunderbirds made the playoffs with a 27-33-4-1 record and are scheduled to play in the first round on Tuesday, April 1, at 7 p.m. She encouraged residents to attend the team’s home games.

On volunteer and community-service events, Ralph promoted an Arbor Day Green Kent event set for Saturday, April 5, from 9 a.m. to noon at 3 Friends Fishing Hole, describing it as a conservation-focused day for removing invasive species and planting. Registration information for the Green Kent event is available on the parks site, Ralph said.

For household waste and recycling, Ralph said Republic Services will run a curbside cleanup during regular yard waste collection days in April that allows residents to put out extra bags for spring cleanup. The mayor also announced a mini recycling event on Friday, April 11, at Hogan Park on Russell Road from 9 a.m. to noon and directed listeners to the city’s trash-and-recycling information page for details.

Ralph recognized Martin Sartoon Elementary School after Special Olympics Washington named it a Special Olympics Unified Championship school and said she issued a proclamation to mark the honor.

She also reminded listeners that the park shelter rental program is open for the season and that the Kent Downtown Partnership will host a free family scavenger hunt in historic downtown to support local businesses.

Ralph closed the update by thanking participants in recent city events and encouraging residents to take advantage of spring programs and volunteer opportunities. "We will see you next time," she said.