23 July . 2024
Tehaleh's Best Events Start Here: The Discovery Park Community Center
At the heart of any thriving community, you’ll find a go-getter who knows how to plan and can make it all happen – rain or shine. Serena Pearson, the dedicated Community Lifestyle Manager, is that person. With her enthusiasm to help residents while also nurturing innovative ideas, Serena plays a pivotal role at the Discovery Park Community Center, curating new events for the whole community to enjoy and making Tehaleh a more dynamic place to live.
Day in the Life of Tehaleh’s Community Lifestyle Manager
No two days are the same for Serena. Events carry their own unique set of circumstances which can vary wildly on the size and timing of an event. On the busiest of days, you’ll see Serena working on a multitude of tasks: coordinating with vendors to get the venue ready and safe for guests, managing a team of volunteers, and being a friendly host. That’s what make her events memorable for attendees. "It’s so exciting and there’s many moving parts,” she explains. “Preparation goes into every aspect. From my large-scale events to a small private party event, it's making sure everything is set and everyone is enjoying themselves in the Community Center.”
Even on the eventless days, Serena stays busy developing content for the newsletter, assisting residents with private party reservations, and maintaining an open-door policy at the Community Center. "I love chatting with people and getting their feedback," she says. Her goal with the Community Center is to continuously improve and tailor events that can capture the needs of Tehaleh. “I have an ongoing list of great ideas that I'd love to see utilized with this space. I'm excited for the future of the center and what's to come.”
Events at the Community Center
Serena notes the varying weather as a key reason the Community Center has made a positive impact year-round. "Living in the Pacific Northwest, it's really a large space for indoor activities.” Outfitted with a multi-purpose room off the large open area and even a kitchen with a full fridge and freezer, there’s flexibility for a vast number of activities.
Find your flavor at the community center
Some of the most popular events like Northwest Fest are annual, especially those around the holidays. Serena is expecting to see more regular meetups occur as well. "I’d eventually love to have recurring events at the Community Center as well, but we aren't quite there yet." Serena notes. Her goal is to establish a robust social committee to increase the usage of the Community Center and engage more residents in these activities.
Just like Tehaleh itself, Serena's approach to event planning is to be inclusive, fun, and to exemplify the strengths of community. A recent shred and recycle event could have been a simple electronics drop-off, but Serena made it an excellent opportunity to cater it to all ages and interests. After all, every event finds a new audience and can help residents discover the great value of the Community Center.
Volunteers make the world go ‘round!
One of the challenges Serena has been focusing on is bringing the right number of resources and volunteers to each event. "The Community Center is such a versatile space, and balancing private party reservations with large-scale events can be tricky," she explains. "We have a growing list of volunteers, and we're working on coordinating monthly or quarterly meetings to plan more events.” Coordinating with vendors, volunteers, and residents requires meticulous planning and flexibility as well as establishing open lines of communication when these events coincide.
To get word out, Serena publishes a weekly newsletter to keep everyone informed about upcoming events and opportunities to get involved. This newsletter is a crucial tool for communication, featuring event details, community updates, and messages from the HOA and Tehaleh.
You may even spot her placing flyers around the neighborhood. Partnering with local businesses and utilizing social media have helped the Community Center get new recognition beyond word-of-mouth advertising.
What to expect in the coming months
Several exciting events are on the horizon. One event is even above the horizon: the upcoming Star Party in July. "The Seattle Astronomical Society is coming with telescopes and binoculars and sharing their knowledge with the community," she reveals. This late-night event will allow residents to gaze at the stars and learn about constellations, with interactive activities leading up to the main event.
Another anticipated event is the ever-popular Oktoberfest. While it's still in the planning stages, Serena hopes to bring this popular festival to Tehaleh again. Additionally, she's exploring the possibility of hosting a Touch-a-Truck event, where residents, especially children, can interact with various trucks like dump trucks, old trucks, and emergency vehicles. "It's something new and different that would be fun," she says. Stay tuned for the coming events and make sure you’re signed up to receive the community center newsletter!
July 12th – The Seattle Astronomical Society Star Party
July 19th – Music in the Park
August 9th – Rockin’ the Hood
September 14th – Northwest Fest
Community Center FAQs
Can I reserve the Community Center for a private event?
Absolutely! You can even book the Community Center up to a year in advance. For more info, take a look at the Resource Center on mytehaleh.com. For reservations and event questions, contact Serena Pearson to check availability and make a reservation.
How much does it cost to reserve the Community Center?
The cost varies depending on which room(s) you’re booking as well as the duration of the event. Check out the forms available on mytehaleh.com for up-to-date information.
What are the best resources for Tehaleh residents to find upcoming events?
The weekly newsletter, park bulletin boards, the Tehaleh website, and social media pages are the best resources for event information. You can find this in the Homeowner Resources tab on mytehaleh.com!
How can I get on the newsletter mailing list?
Contact Serena Pearson with your email address to be added to the list.
Who do I contact for HOA-related questions?
For HOA/TOA related inquiries, contact Gina Buchanan. TOA main phone number: 253-472-0825
Are there rules for using the Community Center?
Yes, there are rules to ensure the space is used respectfully and safely. You can find a copy of the guidelines in the Discovery Park Community Center Info and Reservations section on mytehaleh.com
How busy is the community garden this summer? How do I get involved?
Thanks to the amazing weather this year, the community garden has been quite busy. For detailed information on garden plots and activities, contact Gina Buchanan at 253-472-0825 (EXT 3607).
Life at Tehaleh is all about community
Tehaleh's Community Center continues to be a vibrant and welcoming space for residents to gather, celebrate, and create lasting memories. The lifestyle team’s dedication and passion for fostering a strong community spirit make Tehaleh a truly special place to live. If you want to learn more about the community center and hope to use it for something down the line, get in touch with Serena Pearson.
And if you’re perusing through the amazing amenities here at Tehaleh and want to learn more about what it’s like to live here, reach out to the Brookfield team. We’ll introduce you to all the wonders of living in the region’s most beautiful home in the woods.