It’s the birthplace of Des Moines and now it’s official in Washington D.C.! Even our Gov. Christine Gregoire is coming to Beach Park to celebrate this historic moment -- and you’re invited.

“The history of Beach Park mirrors the history of so many of Washington’s unique places,” the governor said. “It is a story of community pride ”

On Friday, April 14, at 10:30 a.m. Gov. Gregoire will present a plaque to city officials commemorating Des Moines Beach Park’s listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

Don’t miss this historic event. Mayor Bob Sheckler and the entire city council urge the public to attend.

I can’t recall a time when a Washington governor was here to recognize this small city’s achievements.

Accomplishments like this don’t just happen. Over many years there has been an army of people who have bargained and fought to make Beach Park public domain.

Yet, it was one lady, City Councilwoman Susan White, who got the ball rolling and was instrumental in this newly acquired national historic preservation recognition status.

It’s almost unheard of to achieve such a designation in two years. White teamed up with Councilwoman Carmen Scott, a longtime history buff, and a multitude of political and private supporters.

Carmen Scott is known for preserving city history with her magnificent photography.

This 20-acre waterfront park, a/k/a Covenant Beach Bible Camp, has rich history of use by Indians in the early 1800s for claming, a sawmill that burned in early 1900s, a playground for children from nearby Draper’s Orphan Home, and a favorite recreation spot of yesteryear.

What was once the original main road into Des Moines is now a steep path leading to Normandy Park.

In 1931, Covenant Church purchased the park for $16,000.

Many people deserve credit for this National Award, more than space allows, yet here are some:

David Learn, a Des Moines hometown guy, now a lobbyist in Washington, D.C.; U.S. senator Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell; Congressman Adam Smith; state Sen. Karen Keiser; state representatives Shay Schual-Berke and David Upthegrove; King County Councilwoman Julia Patterson; Steve Gilchrist, Covenant Beach; Allyson Brooks, State Historic Preservation Officer and staff; Michael Sullivan and Eugenia Woo with “Artifacts” in Tacoma; and many private citizens.

Sen. Patty Murray secured $220,000 for this park’s preservation funding. Legislators Keiser, Schual-Berke and Upthegrove secured $360,000.

And it is well to remember there are lesser-known people who, over many years, valued and were dedicated to preserving this park.

Covenant Beach Bible Camp leaders decided to sell in 1986. It was in that transition a developer almost snatched this public treasure to build high-end condominiums.

Who can imagine the “Waterland” city without public accessible beaches? Local citizens stormed city hall, snagged all officials they could get to listen, and manned a hot telephone tree calling any voter they knew.

It paid off. I was there.

Des Moines officials secured assistance from Washington State Parks and King County Parks in a joint purchase finance plan.

Old red cabins used for youth summer camp housing were sold and moved. The three that remain are thanks to Carmen Scott, who served on the city council at that time and spoke up for preserving history.

A once hugely popular, albeit leaking, swimming pool did not fare as well. It’s buried in dirt near the park entrance where picnic tables stand. How unique would a Puget Sound Beach Park pool be now?

Significant problems exist and restoration is critical. Floods have shut the park down, restrooms are closed, the revenue-producing dining hall and 1800s picnic shelter are unusable awash with sandbags.

Officials say this National Dedication to Historic Preservation award will help. The grand-old-girl deserves better than sandbags and sloshy mud walkways.

One day future generations will stand where we stood and find perhaps the most beautiful place in Des Moines.

Gov. Gregoire said, “The commitment of those who worked to preserve this area is commendable and I am honored to be able to present to the city council and the people of Des Moines this plaque commemorating Des Moines Beach Park listing on the National Register of Historic Places.”

Do you suppose Councilwoman Susan White earned a standing ovation? You betcha!

Footnote: Thanks for assistance to Kristin Jacobsen, deputy press secretary for Gov. Gregoire.