Ken Balsley receives Public Service Award, calls for a new Lacey museum and cultural center

The City of Lacey recognized local journalist Ken Balsley for his outstanding service to the community.

Known as Thurston's most experienced journalist and columnist, Balsley received Lacey's Public Service Award for his service on the Board of Park Commissioners from 2015 to 2021 at the city council meeting last night. 

"To say that Ken is an involved resident of Lacey and the greater community is just an understatement," said Lacey Parks, Culture and Recreation Director Jen Burbidge. "He does so much for the community, and we really appreciate his service."

Speaking at the first "hybrid" city council meeting yesterday, Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder said, adding, "Parks is something that really is a defining characteristic of Lacey, and there's, without doubt, Ken loves Lacey. No one can say anything different."

"You've been a big supporter of our parks for a long time. And you've done an outstanding job," Ryder told Balsley.

Call for a new museum and cultural center

Prior to his stint on the Board of Park Commissioners, Balsey served on the Lacey History Commission for 13 years. At present, he is a member of the Thurston County History Commission.

"I spent a long time trying to make Lacey not a better city, but a better community. I mean, we have a great city, but my goal was always to make it a community," Balsley said in his acceptance speech.

As someone passionate about preserving the city's history, Balsley called on the city council to get the ball rolling on funding a new museum and cultural center.

"We will have a better understanding of who we are and why we're here," Balsley said. "People will flock to it, and we're going to put the city on the map."

Ryder expressed his support for the idea of a new museum, adding that he is "doing everything on my end."

"You and I are on the exact same page, as the museum and cultural center is a passion of ours and I absolutely agree," Ryder said.

Balsley writes every few days on his blog at kenbalsley.com. He is also a member of The JOLT's advisory board. His "Coffee with Ken" radio interview show runs every Sunday morning at 8 a.m. on KGY 95.3 FM.