With a history steeped in hard work and perseverance, Bonney Lake remains a growing community dedicated to improving upon and maintaining its natural beauty. Nestled below magnificent Mt. Rainier, Bonney Lake continues its maturity as a quaint place with a country atmosphere conveniently located a short distance from Seattle, Tacoma, and Puyallup. Descendents of the original settlers still live in the area. Their stories of their ancestor’s survival and hard work shape the present day Bonney Lake.

In 1850, in the foot paths of Native America tribes, the first settlers arrived. Among them, Sherwood Bonney, in covered wagon stopped three years later, in 1853 to build the cabin on the lake named after him. This was just the beginning. In 1946, Kenneth and Bertha Simmons purchased a 1,000 acre parcel on which the town of Bonney Lake was established. Until this time there had been no running water or electricity. The town was incorporated in 1949, when it reached 327 residents. A year later, the established streets were bustling while locals enjoyed running water, electricity and phone lines even a blood bank.  Seven years later, the town boasted twelve businesses and several retail developments.

Today, Bonney Lake’s 15,320 residents and newcomers have ample choice in the 275 new homes built each year. Locals can also participate in annual community clean up efforts. While the City Council diligently works to improve transportation, in August 2006, Starbucks and Home Depot teamed up with local volunteers and “Beautify Bonney Lake” in their efforts to construct Madrona Park. Complete with nearly 800 licensed business, Bonney Lake is a great location to work and a beautiful place to live.

Contributed by: John L. Scott Real Estate