The Boston Harbor Association (BHA) is a non-profit entity directed by a board of nine volunteers elected by the association members at the annual members’ meeting. The Association endeavors to:
Inform community members about important issues and events;
Keep our neighborhood a healthy and vibrant place to call home; and
Maintain our local history, forests, shorelines, wetlands, wildlife, and marine life.
Boston Harbor neighbors established the association in 1972 to provide a forum and action group concerning matters relevant to residents of the Boston Harbor area, including education, housing, conservation, pollution control, traffic control, the establishment of green belt and recreational areas and facilities, and the improvement or development of property or land within the boundaries of the Boston Harbor area (map below). See the Articles of Incorporation for the full purpose statement.
The BHA has addressed several issues over the years, often serving as the voice of the community with Thurston County officials. In the 1980’s, a utilities committee was appointed to address failing septic tanks and drain fields throughout the neighborhood. The committee worked with Thurston County to develop a utility district and construct the Boston Harbor Water and Sewer System in the early 1990’s.
In 1997, the BHA came together to address the public safety issues created by the abundance of personal fireworks set off every year to celebrate Independence Day. A central neighborhood fireworks show was organized to reduce personal fireworks and the noise, fire danger, pollution, and distress they brought to the neighborhood. The show became so successful, it attracted thousands of people by car and boat from outside the neighborhood, bringing new problems. The BHA board and community are currently considering solutions to celebrate safely in 2026.
The BHA also organizes social and environmental activities, including the annual barbecue and potluck, July 3rd Kids’ Bike Parade, Earth Day celebration, Community Garage Sale, and National Night Out. It helps promote neighborhood activities such as Boston Harbor Marina events, the IvyBeGone Team, Sewer Sisters, Garden Tour, and Green Bag Project.
The Boston Harbor Association is a WA non-profit organization supported by volunteers, membership dues and donations from the community. Please consider supporting the BHA by becoming a member or making a donation, or both! It’s just $25/year for the entire household. You’ll get the bi-monthly newsletter and email notifications of important issues and events. Members who live within the BHA boundaries are eligible to vote on issues that affect the neighborhood, and complete the occasional surveys that help the board understand community interests and concerns.
Dues cover operational costs, including website maintenance, board insurance, email service, etc. Donations cover events and specialty expenses such as July 3rd Fireworks Show, July 3rd Bike Parade, Annual BBQ potluck, occasional printing, postcard mailings, signage, and other miscellaneous event or activity costs. So donations are as important as dues!
While we encourage everyone in the Boston Harbor community to become members, anyone can join (you just won’t have voting rights)! If you are interested, please select the link below. You can find more information about BHA on the Documents Page: Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, meeting minutes, treasurer’s reports, and community survey results. If you have any questions Contact Us anytime for a prompt response.
Connect with us on Social Media! We have active accounts on both Facebook and Next Door, connecting all of our neighbors and active members with current events or anything happening in our community.
We are excited to share with everyone our Event Calendar. This is a public Google Calendar that can be accessed either here, or through the link below:
https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0?cid=YmhhLndhLmJvYXJkQGdtYWlsLmNvbQ
GET EMAILS CONCERNING BOSTON HARBOR WATER & SEWER SYSTEMS
See October 2025 Newsletter for details
September 14 – Annual BBQ and Potluck
August 9-10 – Community Garage Sale
August 5 – National Night Out
July 3 – Kids’ Bike Parade
July 3 – Neighborhood Party in the Park
July 12 – Summer Trash Pick Up
April 5 – Harbor Stories
April 19 – Earth Day Celebration
March 8 – Harbor Stories
February 19 –Boston Harbor Association Annual Meeting
