Due to recent thefts at the Arboretum, board members of the Lake Wilderness Arboretum Foundation, volunteers and staff have made the disappointing decision to end its popular holiday lights display early this year.
The lights usually twinkle on Arboretum grounds every evening through New Year’s Eve, but property manager Bob Wahlberg will move all the lights and equipment back into locked storage after the City of Maple Valley’s annual holiday lights event on Dec. 4.
Thieves recently broke into the Arboretum’s maintenance area and stole about $1,500 worth of power cords, integral for the light display. Wahlberg said repeated break-ins since the spring have resulted in more losses, including hand tools, a weed-eater, a leaf blower and brass sprinkler parts, costing the Arboretum upwards of $6,000.
The public is welcome to enjoy the City’s holiday lights that are displayed in other areas of Lake Wilderness Park, including Lake Wilderness Lodge, which will remain lit throughout December.
Board members, volunteers and staff of Lake Wilderness Arboretum wish you the happiest of holiday seasons and thank you for your support throughout 2013 and beyond!
Visit LakeWildernessArboretum.org, email info@lakewildernessarboretum.org or call 253-293-5103 to volunteer, donate or become a member.
