A local couple has proposed renaming the Brooklake spur of the West Hylebos Wetlands Park boardwalk in honor of Thais Bock.

Bock was one of Federal Way’s pioneering conservationists and was involved in the preservation of the Hylebos wetlands. She died in February 2010 at age 92.

“Thais was just a wonderfully gentle, gracious and generous person and she got things done because she inspired people,” said Chris Carrel, former Friends of the Hylebos executive director.

Bock worked with Ilene and Francis Marckx to preserve their wetlands property, which later became West Hylebos Wetlands Park. She and the late Ilene Marckx were good friends.

“They were a dynamic duo of conservation in the Federal Way area and the South Sound area,” Carrel said.

Mark and Adele Freeland wrote Mayor Skip Priest, requesting Bock be honored and recognized for her conservation efforts at the West Hylebos Wetlands Park. The Freelands’ letter to the mayor reads: “On our first visit to the Hylebos, Thais introduced us to the Marckx family, who themselves had realized the treasure of the wetland they owned. Her knowledge of bird life in the area was well studied, and amazing in scope and depth.”

Bock was known for her love of birds. She was a founding member of the Tahoma Audubon Society and founder of the Rainier Audubon Society. Bock helped preserve the Dumas Bay wildlife preserve and undertook bird surveys of the West Hylebos Wetlands Park. She helped the community to realize the wetlands’ importance to several bird species.

In 2009, Bock was awarded the Lifetime Stewardship Award from the Friends of the Hylebos, a nonprofit organization committed to the preservation of the wetlands. The Marckxes founded the West Hylebos Wetlands Committee, which later became Friends of the Hylebos.

The Brooklake spur of the boardwalk is the ideal place to remember Bock, the Freelands wrote in their letter. A variety of birds and wildlife can frequently be seen from the spur and the overlook at its end. In addition to renaming the spur, a memorial plaque dedicated to Bock is proposed for placement along the boardwalk.

“I’m very pleased we’re being presented with this request,” Federal Way City Councilwoman Jeanne Burbidge said at a March 8 subcommittee meeting. “Thais was a very special community member.”

Carrel said Bock was an energetic woman. She dedicated the last 40 years of her life to conservation efforts, he said. Though she was sweet and gentle, she had an amazing sense of humor that exposed itself once a person got to know her, Carrel said.

The naming of public property in Federal Way is rare. It shall only be considered on an exceptional basis, according to City of Federal Way resolution 91-57. Property may only bear the name of a deceased individual who has contributed to the community — or the property considered for renaming — in a significant way and there must be a lapse of at least one year between the death of the person and the naming of the property, according to the resolution.

“It’s not too often that the council goes through naming exercises like this,” Carrel said. “This specific measure is just a reflection of the impact that Thais had on a particular segment of the community that has a profound influence on quality of life.”

The Federal Way City Council will consider the renaming of the Brooklake spur of the boardwalk at 7 p.m. March 15 during its council meeting.

Did you know?

West Hylebos Wetlands Park is located on South 348th Street about 1 mile west of Pacific Highway South in Federal Way.

Tens of thousands of people visit the park each year, and it has been recognized as one of the state’s top nature areas. The Marckxes bought their property in 1955. They donated 24.5 acres of their land in 1981 to what would soon become a state park.

The state acquired more land throughout the years, and in 1991, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the West Hylebos State Park. It was declared a natural area and development was prohibited.

Today, the park is nearly 120 acres and is owned by the City of Federal Way. The boardwalk was renovated in 2008. The old boardwalk was damaged in a storm and was badly deteriorated.