MUKILTEO — Jennifer Berner has always made room for swimming, soccer, skiing, hiking and other sports in her life.
But her real passion is opening doors for others to be active.
Berner, who lives in Maltby, is in the midst of creating a city-sanctioned recreation program for children, adults and seniors in Mukilteo. Recreation booklets could be mailed out to city residents by late April, she said.
“I like to look at recreation in that it helps build the health and the moral of the community,” said Berner, Mukilteo’s parks and recreation manager since fall 2007. “It helps build community spirit, and it helps build that wellness part of the community.”
This isn’t the first time Berner has started a recreation program. She did it in Encinitas, Calif., and then again in Shoreline. She also helped expand existing programs in Mill Creek and Mercer Island.
Berner’s job is also to oversee and coordinate activities at Rosehill Community Center. Her office is inside the former school, in what used to be the principal’s office.
Several groups that provide activities at Rosehill have already agreed to come under the umbrella of the Mukilteo Parks and Recreation Department.
Berner loves being active. She has completed half-marathons and triathlons and has dabbled in long-distance bike riding and skydiving. She takes pride in helping others share her passion.
“It’s very intrinsic for me, it’s an intrinsic reward, just knowing I have the potential to help people enjoy life in a variety of ways,” she said.
Reporter Scott Pesznecker: 425-339-3436 or spesznecker@heraldnet.com.
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