Park contribution

Today, I was honored to attend the Swinomish Awards Luncheon. I was there to accept the Swinomish Nation’s grant award toward the building of Conner Waterfront Park, which is the Park Commission’s featured project at the moment.

The idea to take a place which was previously an industrial site, and develop instead a beautiful place for families of both La Conner and Swinomish Communities to enjoy on the waterfront, has inspired us to do furious fundraising. If you drive Conner Way under the bridge, you can see the many facilities now available for public use. Don’t forget that we are still seeking funds for the next phase, the picnic shelter and restrooms for the convenience of both of our communities. The award we received is appreciated!

However, I must point out that I also was incredibly impressed at the wide scope of the rest of the awards. There were multiple food banks, hospitals, social services, youth services, libraries, and historical museums also receiving grants.

What struck me is that the Swinomish Tribe is an invisible, yet strong supporter of the social safety web in our neighborhoods. I hope folks will keep this in mind when considering the use of the tax and casino funds they take in. The Swinomish Tribe is indeed a good neighbor and this should be acknowledged by all. Tig-weed-seed!

Tom Winn

La Conner Parks Commission