Last night (April 21) in Federal Way at the city council meeting, a near miracle occurred.

You’ve heard of “You can’t fight City Hall?” Well, yes we can! Thanks to the wisdom, strength of character and stalwart stamina of four council persons and a small cadre of visionary and faithful citizens, the threatened decimation of Steel Lake Park by urban planning run amok was stopped in its ugly tracks.

I’m 75 and I know what we’ve done, but you involved younger folk are so damn naive and laid back, you simply do not understand exactly what you have achieved. Long after you are dead and gone, Steel Lake Park, practically in our city center, that engulfing, beautiful bit of contact with nature, so refreshing, so restoring…will be there because of your faithful and untiring efforts to forestall this unbelievable and sick threat. All of you who worked so hard are heroes to Federal Way, and this city should never forget your service and should learn from and emulate your noble character and learn from you how to get things done. I deeply bow to you.

And remember these council persons who heard and supported your plea: Jim Ferrell, Dini Duclos, Linda Kochmar and Jeanne Burbidge.

To all of you: Thank you, thank you, thank you…

Clara McArthur, Federal Way