Four local parks advocates to get Wager awards

Lloyd Halverson, Kelly Punteney, Barbara Anderson and Suzanne Grover are all recipients of a 2014 Florence B. Wager Award, given each year by the Parks Foundation to recognize leaders, volunteers and professionals for heroic efforts on behalf of local parks, trails and recreation programs.

The award is named after “Flossie” Wager, a beloved and tireless advocate for local parks, trails and greenways who died in 2012.

Halverson and Punteney are winners of the Leading Eagle Award, which honors community leaders who have “significantly influenced the life, health and direction” of local parks and recreation programs, according to a statement from the foundation.

Halverson oversaw the growth of parks and open space in Camas from 355 to 1,562 acres during his 24-year tenure as city administrator.

“Lloyd’s commitment and dedication have provided a long-term and lasting impact,” said Camas Mayor Scott Higgins. While technically retired, Halverson is currently reviewing an update to the city’s comprehensive parks plan.

Punteney, who worked for the city of Vancouver for 36 years, is known as the driving force behind many major local trail projects, from the Discovery Loop to the Frenchman’s Bar trail. He has been a state parks commissioner and currently is focused on developing the 6-acre Jane Weber Evergreen Arboretum on Old Evergreen Highway as a public park and greenspace.

Neighborhood activist Anderson is the winner of the V-Formation Flyer Award, recognizing a spirited volunteer whose dedication goes above and beyond the norm. Anderson has been a leader of the North Salmon Creek Neighborhood Association for many years; she pushed for the new Chinook Neighborhood Park that’s about to get built. She’s now pursuing a vision for a community center in the unincorporated county.

And, Washougal parks manager Grover is the winner of the Tributary Award, recognizing an innovative parks professional. Grover is consistently “first to arrive and last to leave,” Washougal Mayor Sean Guard said, and works alongside volunteers on plantings, trail-building and cleanup events. Her “relentless pursuit of grants and funding” have brought Washougal nearly $700,000 for parks and open space.

Honorees will receive their awards during the annual Parks Foundation luncheon, which is set for 11:30 a.m. June 3 at the Hilton Vancouver Washington, 416 W. Sixth St.

For more information, visit www.parksfoundation.us/events/annual-luncheon or call 360-487-8370. Tickets are $30 for Parks Foundation members and $35 for nonmembers; those prices rise to $35 and $40, respectively, on May 24.

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