Federal Way will celebrate its future with a series of service projects.

The city marks 20 years of incorporation at the end of the month. Three consecutive days of celebration will ensue. While the first day, Feb. 26, will examine how far Federal Way has come since incorporation in 1990, the second day will commemorate the present, and the third day will kick off a series — one for each year the city has persevered — of volunteer service projects that will carry the city forward.

“While we liked the idea of a party to celebrate 20 years, an event’s here and gone. Then we latched onto the idea of doing something more sustainable, lasting. That’s where these 20 projects come in,” city spokeswoman Linda Farmer said.

Local leaders hope the projects have a lasting effect. A one-day trash cleanup is splendid, but its impact is short-lived, Farmer said. A project, such as the installation of a park bench, could serve residents and visitors alike for years to come, she said. However, ideas for all sorts of projects, small or big, are welcome.

“We want your innovative ideas,” Farmer said.

An existing citizens’ group of volunteers will review all submitted project ideas and choose the 20 that will most benefit the city. They must be finished by Feb. 28, 2011. The start and completion of every project will be publicized by the city, Farmer said.

One project will get the honor of kicking off the series on Feb. 28. Depending on what is purposed, this could be something as simple as planting 20 trees in Celebration Park, Farmer said. Environmental restoration, cleanups, repairs of damaged structures, installation of new structures and parks-related projects are good fits for volunteer activities.

The city challenges local businesses, individuals and service groups to step up. AmeriCorps already plans to partner with the parks department beginning in the spring. It will help complete four projects that were planned prior to the city’s anniversary-inspired call to service. Those will take place March 5, May 21, June 18 and July 9. A group of Cub Scouts has shown interest in completing a project in conjunction with the anniversary, Farmer said. There is hope that local businesses will get involved as well, she said.

Learn more

For more information, call the city’s anniversary message line at (253) 835-2405.