Keith Thorpe

Roxanne Pfiefer-Fisher, a volunteer with a team from Walmart, sorts through sections of what will become a slide during Wednesday’s opening day of a community rebuild of the Dream Playground at Erickson Playfield in Port Angeles. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)

Volunteers flock to Dream Playground to start build

Group effort reminds organizers of efforts in 2021, 2002

Roxanne Pfiefer-Fisher, a volunteer with a team from Walmart, sorts through sections of what will become a slide during Wednesday’s opening day of a community rebuild of the Dream Playground at Erickson Playfield in Port Angeles. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Michael Anderson of Gibsons, British Columbia tries his hand at flying a kite in the gusty winds of Point Hudson on Monday afternoon. Anderson was on the last leg of an RV vacation around the Olympic Peninsula with his wife and dog and planned on spending the next two nights at the Point Hudson Marina RV Park before they head home. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)

Let’s go fly a kite

Michael Anderson of Gibsons, British Columbia tries his hand at flying a kite in the gusty winds of Point Hudson on Monday afternoon. Anderson was… Continue reading

Michael Anderson of Gibsons, British Columbia tries his hand at flying a kite in the gusty winds of Point Hudson on Monday afternoon. Anderson was on the last leg of an RV vacation around the Olympic Peninsula with his wife and dog and planned on spending the next two nights at the Point Hudson Marina RV Park before they head home. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
The aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, illuminate the sky on Friday night into Saturday morning at Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park south of Port Angeles. A G5 magnetic storm created conditions for the aurora to be visible to large portions of North America, including hundreds of people who ventured to the ridge to watch the geomagnetic spectacle. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)

Lighting up the sky

The aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, illuminate the sky on Friday night into Saturday morning at Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park… Continue reading

The aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, illuminate the sky on Friday night into Saturday morning at Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park south of Port Angeles. A G5 magnetic storm created conditions for the aurora to be visible to large portions of North America, including hundreds of people who ventured to the ridge to watch the geomagnetic spectacle. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Volunteer Al Oman, right, guides an auger operated by Steve Fink during site preparation for rebuilding the Dream Playground on Wednesday at Erickson Playfield in Port Angeles. A community rebuild is scheduled for May 15-19 to replace portions of the popular playground that were destroyed in an arson fire on Dec. 20. Volunteer signups are available at https://www.padreamplayground.org. The nonprofit Dream Playground Foundation, which organized and orchestrated previous versions of the playground, is also seeking loaner tools with more information available at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904084DA4AC23A5F85-48241857-dream#/. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)

Site preparation for playground

Volunteer Al Oman, right, guides an auger operated by Steve Fink during site preparation for rebuilding the Dream Playground on Wednesday at Erickson Playfield in… Continue reading

Volunteer Al Oman, right, guides an auger operated by Steve Fink during site preparation for rebuilding the Dream Playground on Wednesday at Erickson Playfield in Port Angeles. A community rebuild is scheduled for May 15-19 to replace portions of the popular playground that were destroyed in an arson fire on Dec. 20. Volunteer signups are available at https://www.padreamplayground.org. The nonprofit Dream Playground Foundation, which organized and orchestrated previous versions of the playground, is also seeking loaner tools with more information available at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904084DA4AC23A5F85-48241857-dream#/. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Midge Vogan of Port Angeles sprays cleaner on a pair of sculptures in the 100 block of North Laurel Street in downtown Port Angeles on Saturday as part of the fourth annual Big Spring Spruce Up, sponsored by the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce. Dozens of volunteers spread out over the downtown area to help beautify the city. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)

Spring Spruce Up in Port Angeles

Midge Vogan of Port Angeles sprays cleaner on a pair of sculptures in the 100 block of North Laurel Street in downtown Port Angeles on… Continue reading

Midge Vogan of Port Angeles sprays cleaner on a pair of sculptures in the 100 block of North Laurel Street in downtown Port Angeles on Saturday as part of the fourth annual Big Spring Spruce Up, sponsored by the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce. Dozens of volunteers spread out over the downtown area to help beautify the city. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Kyle Zimmerman, co-owner of The Hub at Front and Lincoln streets in downtown Port Angeles, adds a new coat of paint on Wednesday to an advertising sign on the back of his building that was uncovered during the demolition of a derelict building that once hid the sign from view. Zimmerman said The Hub, formerly Mathews Glass and Howe's Garage before that, is being converted to an artist's workspace and entertainment venue with an opening set for late May or early June. Although The Hub will have no control over any new construction that might later hide the automotive signs, Zimmerman said restoring the paint is an interesting addition to the downtown area for as long as it lasts. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)

Paint restoration in Port Angeles

Kyle Zimmerman, co-owner of The Hub at Front and Lincoln streets in downtown Port Angeles, adds a new coat of paint on Wednesday to an… Continue reading

Kyle Zimmerman, co-owner of The Hub at Front and Lincoln streets in downtown Port Angeles, adds a new coat of paint on Wednesday to an advertising sign on the back of his building that was uncovered during the demolition of a derelict building that once hid the sign from view. Zimmerman said The Hub, formerly Mathews Glass and Howe's Garage before that, is being converted to an artist's workspace and entertainment venue with an opening set for late May or early June. Although The Hub will have no control over any new construction that might later hide the automotive signs, Zimmerman said restoring the paint is an interesting addition to the downtown area for as long as it lasts. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
August Gala, 2, of Port Angeles spins an idle wheel of a truck belonging to Bruch & Bruch Construction during Saturday’s Touch a Truck event at Queen of Angeles School in Port Angeles. The event, hosted by the school’s parent-teacher organization, allowed youngsters and adults to visit and climb aboard a variety of construction, public safety and utility vehicles. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)

Touch a Truck

August Gala, 2, of Port Angeles spins an idle wheel of a truck belonging to Bruch & Bruch Construction during Saturday’s Touch a Truck event… Continue reading

August Gala, 2, of Port Angeles spins an idle wheel of a truck belonging to Bruch & Bruch Construction during Saturday’s Touch a Truck event at Queen of Angeles School in Port Angeles. The event, hosted by the school’s parent-teacher organization, allowed youngsters and adults to visit and climb aboard a variety of construction, public safety and utility vehicles. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Lily Galloway, 9, of Port Angeles looks down from a climbing wall set up at the Olympic National Park visitor center in Port Angeles during Junior Ranger Day, a celebration of the park and of the outdoors. The event featured a variety of activities and exhibits focused on getting youths interested in the environment and the wonders of the national park system. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)

Junior Ranger Day

Lily Galloway, 9, of Port Angeles looks down from a climbing wall set up at the Olympic National Park visitor center in Port Angeles during… Continue reading

Lily Galloway, 9, of Port Angeles looks down from a climbing wall set up at the Olympic National Park visitor center in Port Angeles during Junior Ranger Day, a celebration of the park and of the outdoors. The event featured a variety of activities and exhibits focused on getting youths interested in the environment and the wonders of the national park system. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Clayton Hergert, 2, along with is mother, Mandy Hergert of Port Angeles, sit at the bow of a U.S. Coast Guard response boat on display during Saturday’s Healthy Kids Day at the Port Angeles YMCA. The event, hosted by all three Olympic Peninsula YMCA branches, featured children’s activities designed to promote a healthy lifestyle and a love for physical activity. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)

Captain on deck

Clayton Hergert, 2, along with is mother, Mandy Hergert of Port Angeles, sit at the bow of a U.S. Coast Guard response boat on display… Continue reading

Clayton Hergert, 2, along with is mother, Mandy Hergert of Port Angeles, sit at the bow of a U.S. Coast Guard response boat on display during Saturday’s Healthy Kids Day at the Port Angeles YMCA. The event, hosted by all three Olympic Peninsula YMCA branches, featured children’s activities designed to promote a healthy lifestyle and a love for physical activity. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Isaac Wendel, 11, left, and his mother Jennie Wendel of Port Angeles, comb the beach on the inside of Ediz Hook in Port Angeles on Saturday as part of a cleanup effort hosted by Washington CoastSavers in honor of Earth Day. Hundreds of volunteers fanned out across numerous beaches on Washington’s Pacific Coast and along the Strait of Juan de Fuca to collect trash and other unwanted debris. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)

Earth Day cleanup

Isaac Wendel, 11, left, and his mother Jennie Wendel of Port Angeles, comb the beach on the inside of Ediz Hook in Port Angeles on… Continue reading

Isaac Wendel, 11, left, and his mother Jennie Wendel of Port Angeles, comb the beach on the inside of Ediz Hook in Port Angeles on Saturday as part of a cleanup effort hosted by Washington CoastSavers in honor of Earth Day. Hundreds of volunteers fanned out across numerous beaches on Washington’s Pacific Coast and along the Strait of Juan de Fuca to collect trash and other unwanted debris. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Bob Edgington of 2 Grade LLC excavating, which donated its resources, pulls dirt from around the base of an orca sculpture at the Dream Playground at Erickson Playfield on Thursday during site preparation to rebuild the Port Angeles play facility, which was partially destroyed by an arson fire on Dec. 20. A community build for the replacement playground is scheduled for May 15-19 with numerous volunteer slots available. Signups are available at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904084DA4AC23A5F85-47934048-dream#/. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)

Site preparation at Dream Playground

Bob Edgington of 2 Grade LLC excavating, which donated its resources, pulls dirt from around the base of an orca sculpture at the Dream Playground… Continue reading

Bob Edgington of 2 Grade LLC excavating, which donated its resources, pulls dirt from around the base of an orca sculpture at the Dream Playground at Erickson Playfield on Thursday during site preparation to rebuild the Port Angeles play facility, which was partially destroyed by an arson fire on Dec. 20. A community build for the replacement playground is scheduled for May 15-19 with numerous volunteer slots available. Signups are available at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904084DA4AC23A5F85-47934048-dream#/. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Amy DeQuay of Port Angeles, right, signs up for information at a table staffed by Christopher Allen and Mary Sue French of the Port Angeles Arts Council during a Volunteer Fair on Wednesday at Vern Burton Community Center in Port Angeles. The event, organized by the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce, brought together numerous North Olympic Peninsula agencies that offer people a chance to get involved in their communities. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)

Volunteer fair in Port Angeles

Amy DeQuay of Port Angeles, right, signs up for information at a table staffed by Christopher Allen and Mary Sue French of the Port Angeles… Continue reading

Amy DeQuay of Port Angeles, right, signs up for information at a table staffed by Christopher Allen and Mary Sue French of the Port Angeles Arts Council during a Volunteer Fair on Wednesday at Vern Burton Community Center in Port Angeles. The event, organized by the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce, brought together numerous North Olympic Peninsula agencies that offer people a chance to get involved in their communities. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Mary Kelsoe of the Port Angeles Garden Club thins a cluster of azaleas as a tulip sprouts nearby in one of the decorative planters on Wednesday along the esplanade in the 100 block of West Railroad Avenue on the Port Angeles waterfront. Garden club members have traditionally maintained a pair of planters along the Esplanade as Billie Loos’s Garden, named for a longtime club member. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)

In full bloom

Mary Kelsoe of the Port Angeles Garden Club thins a cluster of azaleas as a tulip sprouts nearby in one of the decorative planters on… Continue reading

Mary Kelsoe of the Port Angeles Garden Club thins a cluster of azaleas as a tulip sprouts nearby in one of the decorative planters on Wednesday along the esplanade in the 100 block of West Railroad Avenue on the Port Angeles waterfront. Garden club members have traditionally maintained a pair of planters along the Esplanade as Billie Loos’s Garden, named for a longtime club member. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Dave Swinford of Sequim, left, and Marlana Ashlie of Victoria take part in a workshop on Saturday about cropping bird photos for best presentation during Saturday’s Olympic Birdfest. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)

Bird spotting

Dave Swinford of Sequim, left, and Marlana Ashlie of Victoria take part in a workshop on Saturday about cropping bird photos for best presentation during… Continue reading

Dave Swinford of Sequim, left, and Marlana Ashlie of Victoria take part in a workshop on Saturday about cropping bird photos for best presentation during Saturday’s Olympic Birdfest. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Ashlynn Emiliani of Port Angeles, center, tosses woody debris into a pile for collection as volunteers work to clean up a section of hillside above the parking lot of the Red Lion Hotel in Port Angeles on Saturday. More than a dozen members of Elevate PA spent the morning clearing up overgrown areas on the hillside from Haynes Viewpoint to the hotel’s Front Street driveway as part of a city beautification effort. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)

Hillside cleanup in Port Angeles

Ashlynn Emiliani of Port Angeles, center, tosses woody debris into a pile for collection as volunteers work to clean up a section of hillside above… Continue reading

Ashlynn Emiliani of Port Angeles, center, tosses woody debris into a pile for collection as volunteers work to clean up a section of hillside above the parking lot of the Red Lion Hotel in Port Angeles on Saturday. More than a dozen members of Elevate PA spent the morning clearing up overgrown areas on the hillside from Haynes Viewpoint to the hotel’s Front Street driveway as part of a city beautification effort. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Bettylou Doern of Sequim and her dog, Gypsy, take a walk at the Japanese Garden at Sequim’s Carrie Blake Park on Wednesday. Fruit trees at the park are in full blossom while the nearby botanical garden is beginning to come into bloom as spring gets into full swing across the North Olympic Peninsula. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)

Bloom with a view in Carrie Blake Park

Bettylou Doern of Sequim and her dog, Gypsy, take a walk at the Japanese Garden at Sequim’s Carrie Blake Park on Wednesday. Fruit trees at… Continue reading

Bettylou Doern of Sequim and her dog, Gypsy, take a walk at the Japanese Garden at Sequim’s Carrie Blake Park on Wednesday. Fruit trees at the park are in full blossom while the nearby botanical garden is beginning to come into bloom as spring gets into full swing across the North Olympic Peninsula. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Kelly Couthlin of Port Angeles-based RJ Services Inc. uses an excavator to remove damaged surface padding tiles at the Dream Playground at Erickson Playfield in Port Angeles on Thursday. Surface removal paves the way for rebuilding the playground, currently scheduled as a volunteer community effort on May 15-19. A large portion of the playground was destroyed in an arson fire on Dec. 20. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)

Playground progress in Port Angeles

Kelly Couthlin of Port Angeles-based RJ Services Inc. uses an excavator to remove damaged surface padding tiles at the Dream Playground at Erickson Playfield in… Continue reading

Kelly Couthlin of Port Angeles-based RJ Services Inc. uses an excavator to remove damaged surface padding tiles at the Dream Playground at Erickson Playfield in Port Angeles on Thursday. Surface removal paves the way for rebuilding the playground, currently scheduled as a volunteer community effort on May 15-19. A large portion of the playground was destroyed in an arson fire on Dec. 20. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
A cluster of daffodils show their colorful blooms beneath a tree at Port Angeles City Pier on Thursday. With spring moving into full swing, flowers are beginning to blossom and trees are starting to reveal their leaves across the North Olympic Peninsula. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)

Spring blooms

A cluster of daffodils show their colorful blooms beneath a tree at Port Angeles City Pier on Thursday. With spring moving into full swing, flowers… Continue reading

A cluster of daffodils show their colorful blooms beneath a tree at Port Angeles City Pier on Thursday. With spring moving into full swing, flowers are beginning to blossom and trees are starting to reveal their leaves across the North Olympic Peninsula. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Bobby Doisher, a prospective member of the Olympic Kiwanis Club, carries a discarded printer to a waiting truck to be taken away for recycling as a line of cars wait to drop off unwanted electronic equipment during the club’s electronics recycling event on Saturday in the parking lot of Port Angeles Civic Field. The club, in partnership with SBK Recycling, collected hundreds of pounds of old computers, televisions, printers and other equipment as vehicles lined up for blocks along nearby Race Street to dispose of castoff electronics. Proceeds from the event were to benefit Kiwanis service programs. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)

Recycling electronics at Port Angeles Civic Field

Bobby Doisher, a prospective member of the Olympic Kiwanis Club, carries a discarded printer to a waiting truck to be taken away for recycling as… Continue reading

Bobby Doisher, a prospective member of the Olympic Kiwanis Club, carries a discarded printer to a waiting truck to be taken away for recycling as a line of cars wait to drop off unwanted electronic equipment during the club’s electronics recycling event on Saturday in the parking lot of Port Angeles Civic Field. The club, in partnership with SBK Recycling, collected hundreds of pounds of old computers, televisions, printers and other equipment as vehicles lined up for blocks along nearby Race Street to dispose of castoff electronics. Proceeds from the event were to benefit Kiwanis service programs. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Convention attendees, from left, Kiera Woodward, Madison Peterson and Juliette Burnette, all of Port Angeles, examine displays of jewelry, earrings and crystals at a display table operated by Dragon Den Studios of Sequim at Squatchcon on Friday at Vern Burton Community Center in Port Angeles. The four-day festival, dedicated to gaming, culture and cosplay, continues today at Vern Burton with a vendor market, workshops and meetups. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)

Squatchcon this weekend

Convention attendees, from left, Kiera Woodward, Madison Peterson and Juliette Burnette, all of Port Angeles, examine displays of jewelry, earrings and crystals at a display… Continue reading

Convention attendees, from left, Kiera Woodward, Madison Peterson and Juliette Burnette, all of Port Angeles, examine displays of jewelry, earrings and crystals at a display table operated by Dragon Den Studios of Sequim at Squatchcon on Friday at Vern Burton Community Center in Port Angeles. The four-day festival, dedicated to gaming, culture and cosplay, continues today at Vern Burton with a vendor market, workshops and meetups. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)