Community Government Health & Wellness

Lilienthal honored as PenMet Parks’ first advocacy award winner

During the past two years, PenMet Parks’ senior activities rocketed from fledgling to flourishing.

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The district provided 627 hours of programming to 139 golden agers in 2022. Halfway through this year, those numbers have spiked to 5,244 hours and 1,130 people. The expansion was in no small part attributable to the passion and persistence of one tiny blonde dynamo.

Betty Lilienthal poses with her advocacy award plaque and board members, from left, Steve Nixon, Kurt Grimmer, Missy Hill, Laurel Kingsbury and Billy Sehmel. Photo by Ed Friedrich

For her efforts, Betty Lilienthal was honored as PenMet’s first advocacy award winner during a ceremony Tuesday, Aug. 6, at district headquarters. The award, which will forever bear her name, can be bestowed as often as every year.

In front of about 40 Lilienthal peers, Park Board President Missy Hill read a proclamation that stated, in part, that she “has provided input, feedback and guidance on the need for senior programs and has worked tirelessly to help develop and raise awareness of senior programs offered by PenMet Parks ….”

Her “vision, energy, tenacity and advocacy have made a remarkable impact on our community and have directly and tangibly impacted PenMet Parks’ ability to advance its mission …” Her “focus on identifying innovative and collaborative solutions to community needs has inspired those around her to work together productively to make positive changes that benefit our community …”

Festive event

Guests signed a framed proclamation on its wide white mat. They wrote gratitude notes and placed the pastel stickies to a “Thank you, Betty,” poster. A slide show of Lilienthal photos and words played on overhead screens. There were cakes and cards and flowers and balloons.

Several guest speakers, themselves civic leaders and boosters, lauded Lilienthal’s accomplishments. Pat Schmidt said when Lilienthal visited her print shop for business cards, she specified that the title be “senior advocate.”

“I now know what that means,” Schmidt said. “You chose the perfect person to name the advocacy award after. Can one person make a difference in a community? If your name is Betty Lilienthal, you betcha.”

BBQ2U owner and senior supporter Gary Parker lauds Betty Lilienthal’s accomplishments. PenMet Executive Director Ally Bujacich is on the right and Director of Administrative Services Robyn Readwin at the rear. Photo by Ed Friedrich

PenMet Senior Recreation Coordinator Edie Morgan said Lilienthal tirelessly connects people for the greater good.

“The time has come to let her know how deeply we appreciate her vision,” she said. “It’s time for us to say, ‘Thank you, Betty.’”

“Thank you, Betty,” echoed the clapping crowd.

Powerhouse for good

County Councilwoman Robyn Denson couldn’t attend, but sent along a message describing Lilienthal as a powerhouse for good with boundless energy and passion.

“Without Betty pushing, pushing, pushing, asking why not and how can we make this happen, I know we wouldn’t have the senior programs we have today,” she wrote. “And she’s not going to stop advocating until seniors have a place of their own.”

Lilienthal led the push for PenMet to conduct a feasibility study for a dedicated senior center where they can hang their coffee mugs.

PenMet Executive Director Ally Bujacich said Lilienthal sets the bar on how to act, engage, motivate and create a movement to make things happen.

“Because of you, seniors in our community have access to more programs and services offered by PenMet Parks than ever before,” she said. “We have seen exponential growth over the last two years. Because of you, we celebrate those successes but do not settle for the status quo. You challenge and inspire us to raise the bar higher.”

Betty Lilienthal thanks PenMet for the award. Her husband Jay, middle, was also recognized for supporting her. Photo by Ed Friedrich

Each of the five parks commissioners shared accolades. Board President Hill said when she first met Lilienthal, she was rallying a packed room to try to save the former senior center at the Boys & Girls Club, just like she filled the room Tuesday.

Commissioner Steve Nixon said that though Lilienthal focused on seniors, she advocated for PenMen generally, with commitment, compassion, dedication and understanding.

Building relationships

“What is most important is building relationships. That’s what sets her apart,” he said.

Lilienthal, who received a couple standing ovations, tossed the compliments back at PenMet, thanking staff members for their confidence and encouragement.

“We are on our way,” she said. “Look out the window (at the emerging recreation center). Look at the senior calendar of all the activities. We will continue to advocate for seniors. You know that. That’s what it’s all about. Success for all. I will do my best to live up to the spirit and potential that this honor deserves.”

The $31.6 million recreation center is under construction at 2416 14th Ave NW, the former site of Performance Golf near the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The 58,300-square-foot structure will house a a turfed soccer/football/lacrosse field; three full-sized multipurpose sports courts for basketball, pickleball and volleyball; a two-lane elevated walking/jogging track; and rooms for community gathering. It will open next year.

At the following board meeting …

During the board meeting that followed the award ceremony, Bujacich informed commissioners that a temporary dog park has been opened at Peninsula Gardens while Tubby’s Trail Dog Park undergoes improvements. It is at 5503 Fillmore Dr. NW.

Access is through the Fillmore Drive entrance. The off-leash area is 125 square feet and enclosed with temporary fencing. There is a picnic table, shade/rain cover and portable toilet. Water is available through a garden hose.

Tubby’s, at 1701 14th Ave. NW, is closed through October while contractors install a rain garden, ADA accessible parking and ADA walking trail and storm drainage.

Rotary Bark Park, at 10100 Bujacich Road NW, is also an alternative.

Mini-golf turf

Commissioners authorized Bujacich to sign a $137,000 construction contract with Soundview Landscape and Sprinkler for mini-golf turf replacement at the recreation center. The University Place firm’s proposal was about half the price of the only other bidder. The work includes removing and disposing the existing synthetic turf and replacing it with new carpet by the end of October.

The board in July increased the budget for mini-golf course upgrades from $80,000 to $600,000 to restore components that are at or beyond the end of their useful life, including upgrading the turf to a putting green-grade product, to create an enhanced user experience.

Audio-visual equipment

Bujacich was also given approval to sign a $67,000 professional services agreement with Tempest Technologies of Issaquah to provide, assemble and configure audio-visual equipment in the open community space and conference room at the PenMet administration building.

Insurance

The board also authorized Bujacich to renew PenMet’s property and casualty insurance and commercial general liability insurance policies with Enduris Washington for $193,000 for Sept. 1, 2024 through Aug. 31, 2025.

Enduris is a local government risk-sharing pool that was created to provide affordable options for special-purpose districts. As such, PenMet waived the usual competitive bidding because staff doesn’t believe it would result in lower premiums or a higher level of service.