Every year, Family circle magazine publishes it’s top 10 cities for Families list and this year, Maple Valley made the list! The August issue lists Maple Valley (the only town West of the Rockies by the way) as # 10 on the list citing the strength of our Schools, recreation and strong sense of community. Of course, those of us who live here have known this all along ….but it is nice to becognized on a National level! You can read the full article here: 10 Best Towns for Families: 2011.
Needless to say concerns have been raised over the safety of hikers, joggers and bikers along the Cedar River trail (which runs from Ravensdale to Renton) after the shooting that took place on the trail December 27. On January 31, there will be a Townhall meeting between the City of Maple Valley and the Maple Valley Police Department to address those concerns and answer questions about trail safety. The Cedar River trail is one of the most popular outdoor destinations for local residents and we all want to know it’s safe and what precautions are being put into place to prevent any future incidents.
The greater Maple Valley area is defined by the Tahoma School District boundaries and also includes Hobart, Ravensdale & part of Renton. The City of Maple Valley, which incorporated in 1997, is where you’ll find traditional subdivisions and retail shops. The rural portion of Maple Valley falls within unincorporated King County and is comprised mostly of homes on acreage. Population is approximately 29,600 (City of Maple Valley approximately 17,000). Median age is 33 and median income is $74,781. View Complete Maple Valley Demographics. View Maple Valley, WA in a larger map
Although I’d potted a few of my patio planters about 7 weeks ago,I’ve been waiting for Summer to finally arrive before doing them all. Ok it’s August for petesake, and I can’t wait any longer…..well, that and a looming outdoor party spurred me to action. Even if we only get a few weeks enjoyment from it, I was bound and determined to get some color into the yard. It wasn’t easy finding a good selection of annuals, Home Depot, Fred Meyer and a few of the other big box stores didn’t have much selection. So last weekend, I drug my husband with me to Taylor Creek Nursery, out near Hobart on 216th Ave Se. I’ve visited many times but this was my first trip this Summer. To my delight, there was a great selection to choose from. The owner is very helpful with questions and (what I appreciate) leaves you alone to peruse to your heart’s content. I could have stayed all day and wandered through the green houses and paths, learning about new trees and shrubs, but I had pots to plant! So I loaded up on Geraniums, Impatients, New Guinnea Impatients, Begonias and a few other annuals just to make
Wonder what’s been going on with the City of Maple Valley’s ownership of the Lake Wilderness Golf course? This article by Kris Hill was just published in the Maple Valley Reporter and offers a nice overview. Lake Wilderness Golf Course: The past, present and future.
The Tahoma School District continues to impress with it’s efforts to stand “above the crowd”. Recently the district received recognition by King County as the first district to achieve the first level of the Green Schools Program. All eight schools in the district worked to significantly improve in areas of waste and energy reduction. The district implemented changes which amassed a savings in the range of $25,000 when comparing the ’07-’8 year to the ’09-’10 school year. Just one more feather in the Tahoma District’s hat (and as I’ve said before, that hat must be getting heavy!)
Grab your basket or bags and head out to Rock Creek Elementary School tomorrow morning as the Maple Valley Farmers Market officially opens Saturday June 19! Hours are 9-1 and parking is available (first come basis) on-site for your convenience. I’m looking forward to seeing returning as well as new vendors this year. The Season will run through October 9.
Maple Valley was in the news this weekend, several times in fact as animal control officers moved to release a large black bear caught in the area. Poor guy, I’m sure he meant no harm but I’m also glad he’s gone. Wouldn’t have been very fun encountering him while showing an acreage property!
