Bonney Lake, Washington

Bonney Lake, Washington covers over 5 square miles of prime property in the shadow of majestic Mount Rainier. This active volcano, the highest in the Cascade Mountain Range, towers 14,410 feet above the town. Someday, the mighty glaciated mountain will erupt, sending a lahar, (a volcanic mudflow), into the surrounding communities. Bonney Lake occupies part of a plateau and residents believe they will remain sheltered, while lower communities may not.

Bonney Lake’s existence as a town began in 1946, with the sale of a 1,000 acre parcel of land to Kenneth and Bertha Simmons, by George Logan, known as the “Rodeo Man”. Finnish and Swedish settlers first came here in the 1850’s, only building a cabin or two around the lake. The Simmons family became instrumental figures in developing the community, and Kenneth Simmons served three terms as mayor in Bonney Lake’s early years. The town incorporated in 1949 with a population of 327. In the 2000 Census, Bonney Lake reported a population of 9,687, while 2006 estimates show steady growth, with more than 15,000 citizens.

Bonney Lake, enjoys a strong economy, and is part of Washington State’s Prosperity Partnership, a coalition of more than 250 government, labor and business organizations dedicated to bringing new jobs into the Greater Puget Sound Region. Seattle Business Monthly picked Bonney Lake as the second Best City in Pierce County. The Economic Development Association works closely with incoming corporations, taking care to monitor all facets that will affect the community, while encouraging new growth. Bonney Lake residents report a medium household income of more than $60,000, almost $20,000 more than the national average.

Bonney Lake, WA takes pride in providing excellent schools for area children. Thirty-one Institutes of higher learning lie within a 40 mile radius, including Pierce College at Puyallup, Green River Community College and the University of Washington at Tacoma. The Sumner/Bonny Lake Recreation Department provides a number of family programs for entertainment.

Bonney Lake celebrates their community in a number of lively festivals. Beautify Bonney Lake brings citizens together each year, to do group clean up and beautification projects. Bonney Lakes Days is a vibrant festival with arts and crafts booths, music and a parade.  Families gather to watch the resident Wooden O Theatre Company perform at beautiful Allan Yorke Park where people vote at the monthly Bonney Lake Idol competition.

Bonney Lake, Washington exudes a wonderful sense of close-knit community. This family-friendly town exemplifies small-town living at its finest, while within close proximity of some of Washington State’s largest cities.