What’s better than an August morning spent playing a round of golf? An August morning spent playing a round of golf that benefits the community! The Gateway Rotary Club’s Bunkers, Balls & Birdies Golf Tournament will take place at Capital City Golf Course on August 6, 2025. The tournament is raising funds for new playground equipment at William A. Bush Park in Lacey.
“This project is important because kids who play outside have improved physical activity, better health, community connections, and social interactions, which are essential for a healthy community,” shares Jennifer. “An improved playground will increase excitement and encourage additional outdoor play. Creating an accessible park space will encourage play among kids of all abilities – those collaborations are essential to fostering an inclusive community.”
This event is just one shining example of the impact the Gateway Rotary Club has had in our community since its founding in 2011.
Gateway Rotary Club: Serving Thurston County for 14 Years
Twenty-three prospective members were at that first meeting on August 10, 2011, at the Hawks Prairie Restaurant in Lacey. Since then, the club has taken on numerous projects to better the lives of youth in our area.
Over the years, projects have included building tiny homes, landscaping at the Thurston County Food Bank in Lacey and playground equipment replacement at the Rochester Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County. One of the most memorable moments was when club members raced the clock to fill over 500-bags with food for All Kids Win in less than house, shares Mike Leonard, club president.
In the past 14 years, they have raised tens of thousands of dollars for local nonprofits including Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County, TOGETHER!, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington, Boy Scouts, All Kids Win, Thurston County Food Bank, South Puget Sound Community College Foundation, Family Education and Support Services, Morningside and more. “Since the club was formed, members spent countless hours raising money and supporting charitable organizations across Thurston County,” shares Mike Lenoard, club president. “Our biggest donations include Lacey’s Food Bank and the Bush Park playground replacement project.”
It’s clear Rotarians are not just welcome in any community, but needed. “Rotary is important for because it provides members with an opportunity to serve,” shares Mike. “Rotary is a service club. Its product is serving. Rotarians provide community service to both local and international communities. This is perhaps the most common reason for initially becoming a Rotarian: the chance to do something for somebody else and to sense the self-fulfillment that comes in the process and return of that satisfaction to one’s own life.”
Bunkers, Balls & Birdies Golf Tournament Funds New Playground Equipment
Back in 2022, rejuvenating Lacey parks was identified as a great fit for a Rotary Legacy project. If you’ve enjoyed the William A. Bush Park in Lacey, then you probably noticed that the playground equipment is pretty dated. Built in 1996, it’s the oldest equipment in the city and its in one of the busiest parks. It’s also located in the fastest-growing area of Lacey, expected to gro by 18% in the next 20 years, according to Mike.
Sign up to play or sponsor their upcoming Bunkers, Balls & Birdies Golf Tournament and help them purchase the much-needed equipment. “The project will include replacing the playground, swings, and surfacing material,” shares Jennifer Burbidge, City of Lacey senior parks planner. “The goal is to install a new playground to increase opportunities for play and accessibility and add more modern and engaging play features. The project will replace the current surfacing of wood chips with rubber surfacing material that is accessible to people who use wheelchairs or who have mobility challenges.”
The tournament begins at 8:30 a.m. with a shotgun start. Golfers can warm up on the driving range beforehand! There will lots of prizes for all—including closet to the pin, long drive men, long drive women, hole-in-one prizes and more! Prizes for first through third placings as well. “Plus, we have a prize for last place team because we’re all winners!” adds Nita Sell, Gateway Rotary event chair and president-elect.
Golfers will also get the chance to win raffle and silent auction prizes! Breakfast burritos will be provided courtesy of sponsor Chicago Title and burgers for lunch courtesy of Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel. When you get thirsty, two drinks are also included in your game thanks to sponsor Kiley Juergens. Additional drinks are available for purchase and each golfer will receive a water bottle too.
If your business would like to sponsor the BBB Golf Tournament, contact Mike Leonard at Kmleonard@comcast.net or 360.628.7713. Those wanting to sign up for the tournament as players can also contact Mike.
The City of Lacey plans to start the project at the end of 2025 with the planning and design phase. “We will have a few playground options for the community to vote on, building community engagement and excitement for the project,” shares Jennifer. “. Another significant benefit of the partnership with Gateway Rotary is their commitment to help with community engagement efforts, including online voting and an onsite event at the park to gather final selection input.”
Bunkers, Balls & Birdies Golf Tournament
August 6, 2025
8:30 a.m.To play or sponsor: Kmleonard@comcast.net or 360.628.7713
