Wednesday, April 8th is Arbor Day, and the city of Burien’s Parks and Recreation Department will be celebrating it at Dottie Harper Park with a special tree planting in honor of the day and in memory of the late Dottie Harper, founding member of the Burien Arts Association and former Burien Deputy Mayor.

Erin Williamson, Executive Director of the Burien Arts Association will help install a glorious flowering kousa dog wood tree in the park to mark the occasion.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Burien’s Arbor Day celebration and commemoration of Dottie Harper

WHEN: Wednesday, April 8th at Noon

WHERE: Dottie Harper Park, upper east end near playground equipment; the park is located at SW 146th Street and 4th Avenue Southwest near the Burien library.

INFO: For more Information, call 206-988-3700

Dottie Harper passed away in February of this year, and here’s more info from the files of the Highline Historical Society:

Dottie Harper was Burien’s “Betsy Ross, chief promoter, publicity agent, school and civic planner and representative.”

She was a tireless community activist, member of the State Arts Commission, King County Arts Commission and Historic Preservation Board, co-chairman of the Seahurst Park Committee, chairman of the Burien Bi-centennial Committee, city of Burien Councilmember and Chairman of itsArts Committee.

All such activity was a voluntary, full-time pursuit.