Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition: Executive Director Opportunity
The Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition, the supporting nonprofit partner of the Foothills National Recreation Trail, seeks an experienced leader to serve as its next Executive Director.
The Executive Director will lead the Foothills Coalition in an exciting phase of growth and key initiative implementation, and strengthen the organization’s fundraising, partnerships, and programs. They will serve as the primary fundraiser, chief spokesperson, and relationship-builder for the Coalition, working closely and in collaboration with Pierce County Parks, the Board of Directors, government jurisdictions along the Foothills Trail, community groups and other supporters.
This is an opportunity for a mission-driven leader to play a pivotal role in enhancing our county’s regional trail system, and ensuring the Foothills Trail and the Coalition are welcoming and accessible to all.
Who We Are
Spending much of our history as an all-volunteer-led organization, the Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition formed to be the citizen advocate for the construction of a Pierce County trail along the abandoned railroad. 40 years later, we have helped to see nearly 22 miles of completed paved trail sections from the Meeker (East Puyallup) Trailhead to the north edge of Buckley, and leveraged millions of dollars for trail projects in the Puget Sound region. We are a dedicated group of volunteers and consultants, led by an Executive Director since 2022, that are engaged not only in adding miles to and supporting the Foothills National Recreation Trail, but also supporting the build out of the county’s regional trail and active transportation network. We also put on several annual events that help bring thousands of people together on the trail.
Mission
Our mission is to work to expand, fund, maintain, promote and advocate for an accessible and inclusive trail system from Mt. Rainier National Park to Puget Sound, fostering recreation, health, active transportation, economic growth, and environmental and historic preservation.
Vision
Our vision is an accessible network of world-class trails improving peoples’ lives by connecting communities and destinations throughout Pierce County and beyond.
Our Next Executive Director
The ideal candidate will bring a passion for trails and/or outdoor recreation, a track record of nonprofit leadership and fundraising success, and the ability to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion. They will love getting outside in the communities along the trail, and be comfortable with being the driver of their work and schedule. They will be a skilled communicator and a collaborative leader with the ability to execute the current five year strategic plan and keep the work on course to adding trail miles and creating a sustainable organization.
We expect the new Executive Director will focus on the following key areas:
Strategic Leadership
Oversee the five year strategic plan (2023-2028) and annual work plans to chart the Coalition’s trajectory and priorities, ensuring continued organizational growth and financial sustainability. With consultant support, lead the organization’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access & Belonging Initiative, including operationalizing DEIAB principles and work into the 2025 work plan.
Organizational Partnerships
Collaborate closely with the leadership of Pierce County Parks and other trail jurisdictions on trail development opportunities, maintenance, etc. Work with other trails-related community organizations to help secure funding, matching funds and other support for the build out of the Pierce County Regional Trail Network. Oversee and plan trail maintenance work parties. With consultant support and strong partnerships, lead a community outreach effort to develop a key section of the Foothills Trail; and, with consultant and Board support, work closely with the City of Buckley to oversee the completion of the organization’s first ever capital campaign: a new trailhead and pavilion.
Business Administration
With consultant support, manage the business side of the organization, including budgeting, data entry, contract administration, property & asset management, record keeping, etc. Lead the monthly Board meeting.
Board Leadership
Work closely with the Board of Directors to execute the vision for the five-year strategic plan. Recruit and steward an engaged, diverse Board of Directors, including supporting a newly formed Governance Committee to create and/or update organizational policies and practices.
Fundraising & Event Management
Lead fundraising efforts, including writing and tracking foundation and government grants, major and planned giving programs, membership and appeals; Oversee several events with consultant support, including the annual Rainier to Ruston Relay race; personally cultivate major donors and continue to grow the organization’s funding support.
Communication & Relationships
Serve as the chief spokesperson, relationship builder and representative for the Foothills Coalition with key stakeholders, elected officials, etc., representing the Coalition at groundbreakings and/or trail openings, council meetings, conferences, events, and in communities. With consultant support, manage the organization’s suite of marketing and communications, including the website, social media, e- and printed newsletters, and additional materials as needed.
Ideal Candidate Experience and Skills
The Executive Board of the Foothills Coalition supervises the Executive Director and provides workload expectations and priorities. The Executive Director position receives little direct supervision and has flexibility to establish their work schedule.
Our next Executive Director will have proven leadership, fundraising, relationship, and organizational management experience. The ideal candidate will bring:
- Five plus years in nonprofit fundraising, especially with appeals, grant writing and major gifts; preference for a candidate familiar with capital campaigns.
- Demonstrated success in developing strategic partnerships and building community relationships.
- Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills; and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and community partners.
- Experience and comfort with working with a Board of Directors and leading public meetings.
- Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to lead, inspire and influence a team of contractors, consultants, and volunteers.
- Integrity, sound judgment, and grace under pressure.
- Commitment to operationalizing diversity, equity and inclusion into the organizational culture and practices; a passion for building relationships with and trail access for traditionally underrepresented groups.
- Previous experience in, and knowledge of nonprofit administration. Preferred minimum of five years experience in a nonprofit leadership role.
- The ideal candidate will have a passion for trails for hiking, biking, walking, and/or running. It is preferred that the selected candidate reside in Pierce County, Washington.
Posting Date: July 18, 2024
Work Schedule & Location: Full-time (40+ hours per week) with flexibility to set your own work schedule. This is a fully remote position. The Executive Director works from home with an expectation of taking in-person meetings along the current and future trail corridor when needed. Preference for the Executive Director to reside in Pierce County, Washington.
Salary & Benefits: $70,000 – $80,000 DOE. Includes employer matched IRA contribution. Paid vacation and sick leave. Monthly reimbursement to help offset the cost of private enrollment in a health plan.
Next steps: Applications submitted by Wednesday, August 7 will be given full consideration. Applications will be reviewed as soon as they are received; initial screening calls will be scheduled on a rolling basis. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
How to Apply
To apply, email your application package to: admin@foothillscoalition.org.
Complete application packages include:
- Resume
- A cover letter that answers the following:
- Why do you want to be the Executive Director of the Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition? What about our mission and vision resonates with you?
- What have you learned in your work or volunteer service with nonprofits that would help you be a successful Executive Director?
- Example of a writing product you created from a current or previous job or volunteer role; i.e., grant application, newsletter or website article, donor letter, etc.
Applications received by August 7th will be given full consideration; early applications are strongly encouraged! All applications will be acknowledged via an email receipt.
Questions regarding this opportunity are welcome and can be directed to: admin@foothillscoalition.org.
Foothills Coalition Welcomes New Executive Director
We’re excited to welcome Breanna Fokes as the new Executive Director of the Foothills Coalition! With over 15 years of experience in the outdoor industry, including roles at KEEN Footwear and CLIF Bar, Breanna brings a wealth of expertise in marketing, community engagement, and outdoor education.
A passionate outdoor enthusiast, Breanna has enjoyed Foothills Trail firsthand and is eager to build on our vision started nearly 40 years ago. In her new role, she’ll focus on leading the execution of our strategic plan, continuing fundraising efforts, fostering partnerships, and advocating for outdoor recreation.
Please join us in welcoming Breanna to the team!
White River Pedestrian Bridge – Decades in the Making
During her nearly 30 years of involvement in the Foothills Coalition, Pat Johnson, one of our current board members, couldn’t be more excited about the completion of the White River Pedestrian Bridge set to open later this month.
“This is a project that’s taken a lot of advocacy and a lot of collaboration over the past 10 years, and finally we’ll have a bridge that will not only improve the Foothills Trail, but give trail users easier and safer access to Enumclaw and King County,” she said.
The bridge will increase recreational usage of the Foothills Trail with residents of both counties now being able to access the other easier than ever, and being built out of steel, has an expected lifespan of 70-80 years, ensuring its use by future generations.
“I’ve seen the Foothills Trail make such a positive impact on the quality of life of local residents over the years. For me, it’s a great way to get out in nature and clear my mind,” she said. “And I see people of every age out on the Trail enjoying themselves almost every day.”
As the former mayor of Buckley, Ms. Johnson is eager to see utilization of Buckley’s public services by its nearest neighbors.
“There are such great offerings in Buckley that are immediately along the Foothills Trail including restaurants, ice cream and coffee shops, and activities like our playground, skatepark, and the Youth Activity Center that will be easily accessible along with our downtown and the great events we host like Tunes Along the Trail,” she said.
The new Foothills Trail Bridge over the White River will give Pierce County Foothills users the opportunity to continue to extend their rides by about two and a half miles, following Encumclaw’s paved trail system that spans the entire town and leads into King County’s network of trails.
Ms. Johnson anticipates the new White River Pedestrian Bridge will create a new opportunity for Pierce County residents to opt for commuting using the Foothills Trail rather than driving.
“There’s no question that biking home to Pierce County will be quicker than the drive,” she said. “SR-410 experiences terrible backups during rush hour so this is a great, fast alternative that’s both good for residents and the environment.”
Ms. Johnson is a near-daily Foothills Trail user and is looking forward to more than extending her regular walks along the Foothills Trail; she’s eager to use the new bridge as a vantage point to see salmon, eagles, and other birds that frequent the area.
The Foothills Coalition extends their sincere thanks to former Buckley mayor Pat Johnson as well as King County, Pierce County, and the Washington Recreation & Conservation Office, among many other individuals, for making this project a reality!
Foothills Trail Development Gains Momentum with National Park Service Grant
By Shayla Miles, Executive Director
Exciting developments are on the horizon for the Foothills Trail! The Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition and Pierce County Parks have secured a significant boost from the National Park Service (NPS) Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program. This prestigious grant will provide crucial technical support for designing and engaging the community on a key 3.5-mile segment of the trail between Wilkeson and Carbonado.
Kicking off this fall, the project will focus on gathering public input to shape the trail’s design. The aim is to ensure the trail meets local needs and aligns with the broader vision of connecting this trail segment to Mount Rainier National Park.
The NPS-RTCA program is known for its support of grassroots conservation and recreation projects. While the grant doesn’t offer monetary assistance, it provides essential technical assistance, helping communities like ours turn their outdoor recreation dreams into reality.
For this project, the emphasis will be on pre-design work and public engagement to ensure the trail’s development reflects community needs and expectations.
The Carbon Glacier Corridor, which includes Wilkeson and Carbonado, serves as a gateway to the northwest region of Mount Rainier National Park. The undeveloped stretch of the Foothills Trail here has long been a community focus, seen as vital for active transportation, recreation, and local economic growth.
The new trail will offer sustainable transportation options, promote healthier lifestyles, and boost local businesses by increasing foot traffic. It will also enhance safety and provide a much-needed alternative to the current highway route between Wilkeson and Carbonado.
Pre-design feasibility work began in early 2024 and public engagement will begin in Fall 2024 extending into 2025. If funding is available, design could commence in 2026 with construction as soon as 2028. These timelines are subject to County Council budget approval and staff availability to move this project forward without delay.
The Foothills Coalition and Pierce County Parks thank the National Park Service for its support and eagerly anticipate working with the community to realize this vision!
Celebrating the Success of the 2024 All Along the Riverwalk Festival
By John Hopkins, Board Member
Our 2024 All Along the Riverwalk event was a resounding success, bringing the community together for a day of fun, art, and discovery. This year, we saw our efforts double the attendance compared to last year, and we’re thrilled to have increased the number of vendors who contributed to making the day special. With a lineup of wonderful entertainment, Veterans Park was buzzing with energy and excitement.
One of the day’s highlights was the area teeming with kids enjoying the foam maker and bouncing around in the inflatable houses. The laughter and joy in the air made it clear that this was a day to remember for families. For aspiring artists, the event was particularly significant as we offered space free of charge, giving them a valuable opportunity to showcase their work and gain exposure within the community. This decision was met with great enthusiasm, allowing new talents to shine and connect with an appreciative audience.
Hosting this event on Trails Day was strategic, as it helped to showcase the beauty of the Riverwalk in Puyallup and introduce many people to this trail for the first time. The positive feedback we received indicates increased interest in the Riverwalk Trail.
We extend our thanks to our many partners, including the City of Puyallup and Arts Downtown, whose support was instrumental in making this event a success.
As we celebrate this year’s achievements, we’re already looking ahead to 2025. Stay tuned for updates on our website, allalongtheriverwalk.org, as we prepare for another fantastic year of community, art, and nature along the Riverwalk.
We’re Hiring Our Next Executive Director!
Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition: Executive Director Opportunity
The Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition, the supporting nonprofit partner of the Foothills National Recreation Trail, seeks an experienced leader to serve as its next Executive Director.
The Executive Director will lead the Foothills Coalition in an exciting phase of growth and key initiative implementation, and strengthen the organization’s fundraising, partnerships, and programs. They will serve as the primary fundraiser, chief spokesperson, and relationship-builder for the Coalition, working closely and in collaboration with Pierce County Parks, the Board of Directors, government jurisdictions along the Foothills Trail, community groups and other supporters.
This is an opportunity for a mission-driven leader to play a pivotal role in enhancing our county’s regional trail system, and ensuring the Foothills Trail and the Coalition are welcoming and accessible to all.
Who We Are
Spending much of our history as an all-volunteer-led organization, the Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition formed to be the citizen advocate for the construction of a Pierce County trail along the abandoned railroad. 40 years later, we have helped to see nearly 22 miles of completed paved trail sections from the Meeker (East Puyallup) Trailhead to the north edge of Buckley, and leveraged millions of dollars for trail projects in the Puget Sound region. We are a dedicated group of volunteers and consultants, led by an Executive Director since 2022, that are engaged not only in adding miles to and supporting the Foothills National Recreation Trail, but also supporting the build out of the county’s regional trail and active transportation network. We also put on several annual events that help bring thousands of people together on the trail.
Mission
Our mission is to work to expand, fund, maintain, promote and advocate for an accessible and inclusive trail system from Mt. Rainier National Park to Puget Sound, fostering recreation, health, active transportation, economic growth, and environmental and historic preservation.
Vision
Our vision is an accessible network of world-class trails improving peoples’ lives by connecting communities and destinations throughout Pierce County and beyond.
Our Next Executive Director
The ideal candidate will bring a passion for trails and/or outdoor recreation, a track record of nonprofit leadership and fundraising success, and the ability to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion. They will love getting outside in the communities along the trail, and be comfortable with being the driver of their work and schedule. They will be a skilled communicator and a collaborative leader with the ability to execute the current five year strategic plan and keep the work on course to adding trail miles and creating a sustainable organization.
We expect the new Executive Director will focus on the following key areas:
Strategic Leadership
Oversee the five year strategic plan (2023-2028) and annual work plans to chart the Coalition’s trajectory and priorities, ensuring continued organizational growth and financial sustainability. With consultant support, lead the organization’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access & Belonging Initiative, including operationalizing DEIAB principles and work into the 2025 work plan.
Organizational Partnerships
Collaborate closely with the leadership of Pierce County Parks and other trail jurisdictions on trail development opportunities, maintenance, etc. Work with other trails-related community organizations to help secure funding, matching funds and other support for the build out of the Pierce County Regional Trail Network. Oversee and plan trail maintenance work parties. With consultant support and strong partnerships, lead a community outreach effort to develop a key section of the Foothills Trail; and, with consultant and Board support, work closely with the City of Buckley to oversee the completion of the organization’s first ever capital campaign: a new trailhead and pavilion.
Business Administration
With consultant support, manage the business side of the organization, including budgeting, data entry, contract administration, property & asset management, record keeping, etc. Lead the monthly Board meeting.
Board Leadership
Work closely with the Board of Directors to execute the vision for the five-year strategic plan. Recruit and steward an engaged, diverse Board of Directors, including supporting a newly formed Governance Committee to create and/or update organizational policies and practices.
Fundraising & Event Management
Lead fundraising efforts, including writing and tracking foundation and government grants, major and planned giving programs, membership and appeals; Oversee several events with consultant support, including the annual Rainier to Ruston Relay race; personally cultivate major donors and continue to grow the organization’s funding support.
Communication & Relationships
Serve as the chief spokesperson, relationship builder and representative for the Foothills Coalition with key stakeholders, elected officials, etc., representing the Coalition at groundbreakings and/or trail openings, council meetings, conferences, events, and in communities. With consultant support, manage the organization’s suite of marketing and communications, including the website, social media, e- and printed newsletters, and additional materials as needed.
Ideal Candidate Experience and Skills
The Executive Board of the Foothills Coalition supervises the Executive Director and provides workload expectations and priorities. The Executive Director position receives little direct supervision and has flexibility to establish their work schedule.
Our next Executive Director will have proven leadership, fundraising, relationship, and organizational management experience. The ideal candidate will bring:
Posting Date: July 18, 2024
Work Schedule & Location: Full-time (40+ hours per week) with flexibility to set your own work schedule. This is a fully remote position. The Executive Director works from home with an expectation of taking in-person meetings along the current and future trail corridor when needed. Preference for the Executive Director to reside in Pierce County, Washington.
Salary & Benefits: $70,000 – $80,000 DOE. Includes employer matched IRA contribution. Paid vacation and sick leave. Monthly reimbursement to help offset the cost of private enrollment in a health plan.
Next steps: Applications submitted by Wednesday, August 7 will be given full consideration. Applications will be reviewed as soon as they are received; initial screening calls will be scheduled on a rolling basis. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
How to Apply
To apply, email your application package to: admin@foothillscoalition.org.
Complete application packages include:
Applications received by August 7th will be given full consideration; early applications are strongly encouraged! All applications will be acknowledged via an email receipt.
Questions regarding this opportunity are welcome and can be directed to: admin@foothillscoalition.org.
Foothills Coalition and Pierce County Parks secure National Parks Service grant for Foothills Trail development
The Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition, in collaboration with Pierce County Parks and support from the Towns of Wilkeson and Carbonado, is thrilled to announce the receipt of a National Parks Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance grant program (NPS-RTCA). This grant will provide essential technical assistance to engage the community in developing the Foothills Trail segment between Wilkeson and Carbonado, covering approximately 3.5 miles.
Starting in September of 2024, the project will kick off with community outreach effort to gather input on the trail’s design. Expected to last a year, this work will culminate in conceptual design to inform the next phase of Foothills Trail development toward Mount Rainier National Park.
The NPS-RTCA program is instrumental in supporting locally driven conservation and outdoor recreation initiatives nationwide. By assisting communities and public land managers in park development, restoration, and the creation of outdoor recreation opportunities, the NPS-RTCA program fosters engagement in the outdoors for future generations.
The Carbon Glacier Corridor in eastern Pierce County serves as the gateway to the northwest section of Mount Rainier National Park, encompassing the rural communities of Wilkeson and Carbonado. Within this corridor lies the undeveloped section of the Foothills Trail. Recognizing the potential of this area, Pierce County, as the primary landowner, has enlisted the support of the Foothills Coalition to leverage its strong community ties and partnership-building expertise.
Developing this trail offers numerous benefits. Rural trails provide sustainable solutions for active transportation, promote health and well-being, foster community connectivity, reduce reliance on motorized transport and contribute to healthier lifestyles. Additionally, increased foot traffic along trails supports local businesses and stimulates economic growth.
The Foothills Coalition and Pierce County Parks express profound gratitude to the National Parks Service for its support and look forward to engaging with local communities to bring the vision of a vibrant, accessible Foothills Trail to life.
About Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition:
The Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition is the supporting 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of the Foothills National Recreation Trail. The Coalition works to expand, fund, maintain, promote and advocate for an accessible and inclusive trail system from Mt. Rainier National Park to Puget Sound, fostering recreation, health, active transportation, economic growth, and environmental and historic preservation. Learn more at www.foothillscoalition.org.
About Pierce County Parks:
Pierce County Parks maintains over 5,200 acres at 44 park sites, including three recreation centers, a sports complex, ice rink, skateboard park, two boat launch sites, two golf courses, trail corridors, a disc golf course, and many passive open space sites through Pierce County’s Conservation Futures system. We also offer a variety of special events, programs and activities for all ages and ability levels. Learn more at www.PierceCountyWA.gov/
About National Parks Service – Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program:
The NPS-RTCA program supports locally-led conservation and outdoor recreation projects across the United States, assisting communities and public land managers in developing or restoring parks, conservation areas, rivers, and wildlife habitats, as well as creating outdoor recreation opportunities and programs. Learn more at www.nps.gov/rtca.
All Along the Riverwalk Festival to be held July 27
The All Along the Riverwalk Festival Arts, Education, and Entertainment Festival will be returning to the Puyallup Riverwalk Trail on Pierce County Trails Day – July 27! Born from the inspiration of Art Along the Riverbank on the Isle of Wight, All Along the Riverwalk had its inaugural event in 2020.
“I visited a friend on the Isle of Wight in 2018 and saw people really enjoying art along the river and thought it was something that would really help the Friends of the Puyallup Riverwalk raise awareness about the trail and increase its use,” said John Hopkins, founder of the event.
The Friends had made attempts at event organizing in the past to draw people both near and far to the trail – most notably Families in Motion – which didn’t achieve the goal of getting people to experience the trail.
“There were probably around a dozen vendors, mostly near the entrance of the Trail, so people came to explore the vendors, but didn’t really venture onto the trail itself, so we realized we needed something along the trail to interest people, and art was a great way to do that,” Mr. Hopkins said.
The planning for a wonderful, busy, community gathering began in 2019 to take place in the spring, but unfortunately 2020 had different plans. Like many events (and much of the world) things turned virtual, so the event was scaled back to feature things that “attendees” could participate in online.
“Now we look back on that event as a ‘soft launch,’” Mr. Hopkins said. “We thought it would give us plenty of time to regroup and plan a great in-person event for 2021, but unfortunately we weren’t able to bring it to life in 2021 either, again due to the pandemic.”
But finally, in 2022, the All Along the Riverwalk Festival made its first in-person debut. The event was modest but featured live entertainment, vendors, and most importantly art spanning the trail from the Puyallup Goodwill to Veterans Park.
“It was small, but we were proud,” Mr. Hopkins said. “Thanks to the participation of many local artists, we were able to achieve our goal of drawing people out on the Trail, and it stirred up a lot of ideas of what we could do to build and improve the event.”
One of the first big changes was shifting the date to Pierce County Trails Day – an day with goals in full alignment with those of the All Along the Riverwalk Festival. Others included getting partners to sponsor the event, and creating incentives for artists to enter their work. The changes worked and in 2023, there were more than 40 artists and 1,000 attendees.
The event organizers expect this year’s event to be bigger and better, and the list of artists entering is very promising. Thanks to a grant through ArtsWA, the Festival is able to offer artists free booths and a handful will even be eligible for a stipend for participating.
“When you reduce the barrier to entry, it really opens up the people who are willing to participate,” Mr. Hopkins said. “For some, this may be the first time their art has been publicly displayed and that’s a valuable opportunity for so many who may not have the chance to show their work at a gallery or pay to show at an event.”
While the event is a great opportunity for artists and an attraction for those from out of town to see what Puyallup has to offer, it’s also the perfect chance for locals to discover what great resources are available right in their backyard. While the Riverwalk Trail is used by many for leisure, it’s also a practical option for car-free transportation!
This year’s All Along the Riverwalk Festival Arts, Education, and Entertainment Festival will offer art installations along the whole trail, with live music and a central hub located at Veterans Park. The event will be on July 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. More information is available at allalongtheriverwalk.org.
Partners for this year’s event include the Foothills Coalition, ArtsWA, Arts Downtown, Pierce Conservation District, City of Puyallup, Puyallup Parks & Recreation, Daffodil Valley Volkssport Association, 1st Security Bank, and Puyallup Towing.
Board Member Spotlight – John Hopkins
The Foothills Coalition was happy to welcome John Hopkins as one of our new board members earlier this year. Originally from England, Mr. Hopkins planted his roots in Puyallup more than 30 years ago and has since become a strong advocate for the City of Puyallup, its residents, and the surrounding area.
The journey that brought Mr. Hopkins from the U.K. to Washington wasn’t a short one. In the early 1970s Mr. Hopkins was looking for a complete change of pace from his life teaching in London and decided to pay a visit to his sister in Alaska – a visit that turned out to last 15 years. He became an electrician and began teaching the trade until a downward turn in Alaska’s economy spurred by plummeting oil prices led Mr. Hopkins south to Puyallup in 1987.
Starting his life in Puyallup at a property purchased from his boss in Alaska, he decided to continue his career on his own terms by founding an electrical business of his own which eventually led to purchasing property in downtown Puyallup. His increasing integration into the local community led to him becoming a member of the Puyallup Main Street Association.
“I really loved it here – the summers in Washington are unbeatable,” Mr. Hopkins said. “So after I established myself and my business, one thing led to another and I continued to get more and more involved in local organizations and government.”
Mr. Hopkins first became involved in local trails through the Friends of the Riverwalk while serving on the Puyallup City Council, and what began primarily as a duty to his constituents, quickly turned into a passion project. Before he knew it, Mr. Hopkins was a regular of the group, attending its weekly meetings and advocating for both improvements on and expansion of the Puyallup Riverwalk Trail on behalf of the group to the city government.
At the time, there was a large overlap between members of the Friends of the Riverwalk and members and founders of the Foothills Coalition. Mr. Hopkins and other Riverwalk members saw the value of working together with the Foothills Coalition to achieve the groups’ common goals.
“It made a lot of sense to work with the Foothills Coalition and the Friends of the Riverwalk and the two have formed a great partnership,” he said. “One of the biggest steps in recent years was in 2020 when we planned to hold the first All Along the Riverwalk Festival and they came in with a lot of support.”
The All Along the Riverwalk Arts, Education, and Entertainment Festival was an idea Mr. Hopkins brought back to Puyallup after a trip to the Isle of Wight in 2018. More can be learned about the festival on p. XX of this newsletter.
The trip to the Isle of Wight is one of dozens of adventures Mr. Hopkins has embarked on since retiring 21 years ago. Upon his retirement, he leaned into his passion of exploring the outdoors, mostly through challenging mountainous hikes, many alongside his son.
“I’ve found the best way to travel the world is through climbing and hiking,” he said. “I also love spending a lot of my time with locals to not only get a sense of the culture, but because they’re the experts and can help you truly make the most of your time.”
His accomplishments include summiting Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) twice, Mount Elbrus (Russia) once, and even reaching Mount Everest Base Camp (Nepal). To date, some of his most memorable hikes have been through Peru and Guatemala, while Patagonia is on his short list for future plans.
Despite his worldly travels, Mr. Hopkins chooses to spend the beautiful Pacific Northwest summers locally, hiking Mount Saint Helens (almost annually), exploring Washington’s volcanoes, and of course, spending time on the Foothills Trail.
The Foothills Trail plays an important part in Mr. Hopkins’ active lifestyle with his weekly half-marathons (each Saturday) and participation in Trail events including the upcoming B&O 10K & Half Marathon.
Mr. Hopkins hopes that during his tenure the Foothills Trail continues to grow and improve to best serve the residents of Pierce County and the surrounding area.
“I foresee the Coalition growing into a bigger, stronger organization in the coming years. We’ve already begun a transformation from a mostly volunteer group to one that’s very professional,” he said. “The Coalition made a huge step in hiring our Executive Director Shayla, who has done so much to move our efforts forward.”
Mr. Hopkins hopes to play a role in attracting new, younger members to ensure the Foothills Coalition continues to thrive and advocate for local trails for decades to come.
Photo: John Hopkins hiking Mt. St. Helens
Rainier to Ruston 2024 – A Great Success!
By Dan Bucci
The Foothills Coalition held the 22nd annual Rainier to Ruston Relay on Saturday, June 1st, 2024. The event is always held on the first Saturday of June to celebrate National Trails Day. This event has become a hallmark of the Pacific Northwest Running community, and is one of the biggest races held in the South Sound area. This year saw a huge increase in participation, with 325 teams, and 20 solo runners. With just around 1,600 runners participating in the event, this was the 2nd largest Rainier to Ruston in the event’s history, only behind 2019 which had just under 2,000 participants. This year’s event however did take in the most revenue ever, which is fantastic as this is the single largest revenue source for the Coalition’s operating budget every year!
Participants in the race cover about 53 miles, running from the Carbon River entrance of Mount Rainier National Park and finishing along the Tacoma Waterfront in Cummings Park along Ruston Way. Participants may choose to tackle the distance as 6-person, 4-person, 3-person, or 2-person teams, with each team member taking on multiple “legs” of the event. A few hearty souls (we had 20 this year) chose to run the entire length by themselves! But it’s not just the runners doing lots of work on race day! In the days leading up to the event, there are hundreds of hours poured into marking the course, getting the race equipment cleaned and staged, putting together race packets, and making sure we are prepared to host 1,600 runners. On race day itself, there are somewhere around 100 volunteers that help out at the start line, along the course, and at the finish line to make sure the event goes off without a hitch!
This year we also had extremely generous sponsors, with cash sponsorships from the Port of Tacoma, and Par Pacific, a donation of beer for the beer garden from Silver City Brewing and Athletic Brewing Company, and cookies donated by Farm 12 for all runners at the Meeker Exchange.
The goal of the event is not to simply raise funds for the coalition, but also to showcase the existing trail, and the corridors where we are working to extend the trail. Participants begin the race running along the Carbon River, and through the Carbon Canyon through the communities of Carbonado and Wilkeson. They then pick-up the completed portions of the Foothills Trail in South Prairie, run through Orting, and into Puyallup. After Puyallup, runners navigate the levee trail and various roads as they traverse through Fife and Tacoma until they arrive at the Museum of Glass in Downtown Tacoma. They then complete the race mostly on park paths and sidewalks along the Tacoma Waterfront and finish on Ruston Way. The race path largely follows the path where we envision having a completed, non-motorized trail, connecting Mount Rainier to the Puget Sound.
Teams are encouraged to decorate their vehicles, come up with creative team names, and run in costumes to add more fun to the day. After finishing the race, runners are treated to a beer garden, and some light refreshments at the finish line while a DJ spins tunes. This year, we also had massages and sno-cones available for purchase! It was great to walk around and see so many people supporting our trail and running for a good cause. The 2024 event felt to me like the most organized, well executed R2R we’ve had to date. I’m looking forward to carrying that momentum into the 2025 event and making that the BIGGEST and BEST R2R in the event’s history!
Photo by: Fast Focus Photography NW
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