Our annual hearing loss community picnic is a relaxed, easy way to enjoy summer in the Pacific Northwest and connect with hearing loss friends, old and new. This year, we’ll be at the same place as last year: Lake Boren Park, 13058 SE 84th Way, in Newcastle, Washington – not far from Bellevue.
We’ll have…
- Hot dogs grilled by grillmaster Rick Faunt
- Bottled water, ice, coffee, and chips
- A raffle
- Games
- A special award
Please feel free to bring proteins you’d like us to grill, plus a dish to share. If your last name begins with A-L, bring a dessert; M-Z people can bring a side or a salad. You can bring sodas and drinks, but alcohol is not allowed in the park. It’s not a bad idea to grab couple of lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on; there is seating, but it’s limited. We’ll eat around noon.
A temporary hearing loop will be installed in the picnic shelter so we can hear one another. This is your chance to try a hearing loop if you haven’t already.
Everyone is welcome, including friends, family, and newcomers.
Be there or be … hotdogless.
Please feel free download this flyer to share.
Getting to Lake Boren Park
Lake Boren Park is located at 13058 SE 84th Way in Newcastle, just off Coal Creek Parkway.
The park entrance is on the RIGHT shortly after turning into SE 84th Way.
Follow 84th into the park towards the gray restroom building, and park here. This is the only building and parking lot in the park.
Behind the building past the tennis courts is our picnic shelter. Signs will be posted.
The park is physically accessible with walking trails, tennis courts, and playground facilities.
Hello, I am trying to find activities I can take a client to, to make friends. He is a “senior”, deaf and is basically alone except for a few caregivers and his Mental Health providers.
What is a hearing loop? He uses a phone app to have a 2 way conversation. His speech is very clear.
Thank you for anything you can suggest. We are in Tacoma.
Thanks for a wonderful invite.
Hi Moira,
We empathize with your client, as hearing loss can be isolating and lonely. We strive to break the isolation and connect with one another.
You could invite your client to our online HOPE meetings. We meet the first Wednesday of the month (except July and August), online, captioned and always free: https://hearingloss-wa.org/what-we-do/hope-hearing-other-peoples-experiences/. He’s also welcome to attend our picnic on July 11 at Lake Boren Park in Newcastle, Washington.
Beyond our own programs, here are some other suggestions in the Tacoma area…
• HSDC Community Calendar: The local HSDC Tacoma Branch hosts regular workshops, social gatherings, and community events conducted in American Sign Language (ASL) or optimized for individuals using assistive listening tech.
• Tacoma Association of the Deaf (TAD): A local community network organizing recurring casual social meetups, peer groups, and community advocacy events across Pierce County.
• Tacoma Area Coalition of Individuals with Disabilities (TACID): Located at 6315 S 19th St, Tacoma, WA 98466. TACID hosts free, drop-in peer support groups, arts and crafts, and social wellness programs for adults with communication and physical differences.
• The Senior Hub (Metro Parks): Operating weekdays from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Eastside Community Center and People’s Center. These drop-in hubs feature visual-centric and hearing-loss-friendly activities like table games, card circles, and independent crafting.
Thank you for always being so welcoming. Looking forward to seeing everyone.. fun and learning!.