More than 50 volunteers participated earlier this week in Golden Gardens Park restoration efforts, a Seattle area community project hosted by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and its member lines Holland America Line, Seabourn Cruise Line, Windstar Cruises and Paul Gauguin Cruises.
The community project was conducted in partnership with volunteer organizers from Seattle Works, representatives from the Port of Seattle and staff from Seattle Parks and Recreation. The event included restoration of the park’s shoreline, dunes and wetland.
"Every day, across the globe, CLIA members make positive contributions to the ports and communities in which they operate,” said Christine Duffy, president and CEO of CLIA. She said the Seattle event provided the cruise industry with the opportunity to support the city of Seattle while also demonstrating the CLIA member lines’ commitment to environmental stewardship.
The event was recognized by Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, who proclaimed April 23, 2013 “Cruise Industry Employee Volunteer Recognition Day.” The proclamation from the Mayor’s Office noted the cruise industry’s strong ties to the Pacific Northwest and its economic contributions to the state of Washington.
“The Port of Seattle is a committed steward of the environment,” said Port Commission President Tom Albro. “We’re happy to contribute our efforts to keeping Puget Sound and its public access areas safe and clean places for families.”
“Cruise industry partners and employees came together today to contribute to the restoration of Golden Gardens,” said Acting Parks and Recreation Superintendent Christopher Williams. “We're proud to see so many volunteers contribute to the Park’s restoration so that the local community and its visitors can continue to enjoy this popular park with extraordinary views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.”
This week's event in Seattle coincided with National Volunteer Week and international observances of Earth Day, and is part of CLIA’s global “Cruise Forward” initiative, which highlights the economic benefits, community partnerships and environmental stewardship of the cruise industry.
The local restoration is just one of many ways in which the global industry gives back to its port communities. For more information about how cruise lines around the world are giving back and helping improve their communities, visit www.CruiseForward.org.