A founding board member, first President of the Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition and early organizer, Dr. Ernie Bay brought structure and momentum to the young Coalition. He played a key role in shaping public engagement, fundraising, and volunteer coordination in the 1990s. Dr. Bay was instrumental in the creation and maintenance of the Foothills Trail from Puyallup, through Orting to South Prairie. His dedication to trails and parks extended beyond Foothills, influencing outdoor access across Pierce County.