One of our favorite things about publishing Macaroni Kid is the chance to connect with other moms in our community. Often times these connections inspire us and remind us of the ability of one person to make a difference. It is with this in mind that we launch a new article series called Awesome Mama. Our hope is to introduce you to some amazing moms living right in our communities who not only are doing unique and wonderful things but also deserve to have some attention brought to their mission.
Debbie Berto is a local mom and grandmother who has dedicated her life to actively making a difference in the Issaquah community. In addition to her years spent as publisher of the Issaquah Press, she also has been involved with Friends of Issaquah Salmon Hatchery (FISH), Kiwanis Club of Issaquah, Issaquah Community Services, and the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce, just to name a few.
Most recently Debbie's passion for community service led to her involvement with Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park, a non-profit organization dedicated to the revitalization of the state park. After successfully rebuilding the bath house and making other improvements, the group set its sights on bringing an all-access, destination playground to Lake Sammamish State Park. Debbie led the way on this one million dollar fund-raising effort (an effort that is just $50,000 shy of coming to fruition) and has a vision for making the state park an even more special place for local families!
Please get to know this local mom a little better and find out how you can help!
Most recently Debbie's passion for community service led to her involvement with Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park, a non-profit organization dedicated to the revitalization of the state park. After successfully rebuilding the bath house and making other improvements, the group set its sights on bringing an all-access, destination playground to Lake Sammamish State Park. Debbie led the way on this one million dollar fund-raising effort (an effort that is just $50,000 shy of coming to fruition) and has a vision for making the state park an even more special place for local families!
Please get to know this local mom a little better and find out how you can help!
What is your MISSION? What do you want to accomplish?
The mission of our non-profit, Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park, is to advocate for park improvements and to bring new events and people to the park.
What inspired you to revive Lake Sammamish State Park and build the all-access playground?
Thirty years ago, Lake Sammamish State Park was an integral part of my family’s recreation. Most often, we would gather the kids after work on a hot summer day and take them over for an evening swim. But now the park is not even on the radar of most families. What a shame! This beautiful 512-acre nature preserve offers so much outdoor living, right in the heart of the growing urban Eastside. Swimming, boating, picnicking, bird watching (check out the heron rookery!), fishing, bicycle and walking paths, salmon watching, soccer and baseball fields, volleyball, kayaking and paddleboard rentals — all in one park!
Ten years ago I served on a community task force that developed a master plan for improvements to the park, but the economy tanked. In the last 3 years, the boat launch has been upgraded, a boardwalk to the mouth of the creek has been added, a new bathhouse opened last summer. This summer a new all-access playground will open, Sunset Beach will be renovated with all new sand and work will begin on the boating/fishing docks coming in 2017.
Yes, I have been the driving force behind the playground, primarily because of my grandchildren. They love going to playgrounds, but we haven’t found many that challenge them for more than 20 minutes. A “destination” playground for all abilities seems like a good way to bring people to the park, but also to become a common meeting area for the many diverse ethnic groups who picnic at the park.
What could be better than a great playground next to a swimming beach, picnic areas, grassy open space and a new bathhouse with concession stand?
What part do your children and grandchildren play in your current mission?
My grandchildren are ages 5-17. Even the oldest will find things to enjoy at this playground – like the zip line! Most all-accessible playgrounds seem geared more toward the preschool age group, but this one is designed to be challenging for kids 2-12.
What lessons do you hope your kids and grandkids are learning through this process?
I talk with the grandkids about the playground often. I want them to know that they are my motivation, but also see how much work it is to raise money, and how much a playground can cost. They understand that $1 million is a LOT of money and not just take parks for granted.
We also talk about the different abilities of children they may meet at the playground (or anywhere) and how they are all just kids at heart, all wanting to play.
What can we do to support you, Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park, and the Playground4All initiative?
- We still need to raise the last $50,000 of our $1 million goal. Learn more and contribute at www.Playground4All.com. Donations of $1,000 or more will be memorialized on a boulder at the playground.
- Plan to attend the dedication of the playground at Parkadilly at Lake Sammamish Children’s Fair, July 24, 1-5 p.m.
- Volunteer to help construct the playground in late June. We will need about 200 hours of volunteer help, including kids 10+. Send me a note and you will be contacted, debbieberto1@hotmail.com
- You may also be interested to know that March 26, April 22, and May 8 are all FREE days at the State Park; the perfect excuse to visit and enjoy the park with your family!
- SHYANNE OLSEN is on a mission not only to put books in the hands of kids and their parents but also to make a difference in the everyday lives of people living in her community.
- SUSAN HUSA is on a mission to create a group where mothers are welcomed, informed and inspired in their community.
- RACHEL MARK is on a mission to start the Wildcat Swimming Club to share her love of swimming with others in our area.
- DIANE GOCKEL is on a mission to share her love for animals and tell their stories to kids and their parents.
- WENDY STONE is on a mission to "live life to the fullest" which led her - and two other friends - to launch a local winery called Pearl and Stone Wine Co.
- HEATHER MATTHEWS is on a mission to make a difference in her community by raising money and awareness for the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank.
- KAYSEE HYATT is on a mission to build community awareness for pediatric stroke and hope for impacted children and families.
- JULIE PARKER is on a mission to complete a marathon in every state by the time she turns 50 years old. 50 by 50.
- JAMIE MENOLD is on a mission to raise awareness of and funds for pediatric cancer research.
- KRISTEN BRANTNER is on a mission to make a difference in the future of rare disease and created a local non-profit called RAREevents.
- CHRISTIE MALCHOW is on a mission to make sure the city hears the voices of young families and is running for Sammamish City Council.
