Colleagues of Jeanne Hansen say she was a master of transformations.

The late Hansen, mayor of Snoqualmie from 1987 to 1997, shepherded the development of Snoqualmie Ridge. She died Jan. 3, 2001, and never got to see the changes she wrought.

What might she have said on seeing the 2,000 people gathered for the opening of the final big community park on the Ridge, named for her? She surely would have been surprised by the gathered dignitaries who cut the ribbon for the new park.

As children played nearby, her son, Bob Hansen, unveiled a stone monument, with a bronze portrait of his mother, at the new Jeanne Hansen Community Park.

“I guarantee you, she would have been very humbled,” said Bob.

Snoqualmie Mayor Matt Larson was joined by Congressman Dave Reichert, former Mercer Island mayor and state senator Fred Jarrett, King County Councilwoman Kathy Lambert, Peter Orser, retired president of Weyerhaeuser Real Estate Company, which developed the Ridge, and other VIPs, among them a dozen members of the Washington Business and Professional Women’s Association, who came to honor their former colleague.

Retired city attorney Pat Anderson dubbed Hansen a “low-ego leader” who built up the city administration into what it is today, adding the staff, specialists and consultants needed to grow a city from 1,600 people to nearly 13,000.

“Jeanne brought this struggling former mill town that couldn’t pay the city’s bills, to become this fabulous community that you all see today,” Anderson said. “She found the right people for the job she saw before her.”

“Our children need to remember those who serve,” said Reichert. “And Jeanne served this community with her whole heart.”

Jeanne Hansen Park will officially open to the public next month.

Joined by VIPS, Peter Orser, formerly of Weyerhaeuser, and Snoqualmie Mayor Matt Larson cut the yellow ribbon for construction of Hansen Park.

Mayor Matt Larson with members of the Washington State Business and Professional Women’s Association.

Children do the tug of war during the park’s grand opening.

Makyla, 7, gets a butterfly on her cheek at Hansen Park.

Phoebe Hummel, 6, explores the jungle gym.

Friends Sophia, Chasey and Jade try the new swing set.

VIPs at the park opening: Pat Anderson, Kathy Lambert, Fred Jarrett, Dave Reichert.

Dave Reichert speaks at the opening.

Snoqualmie Police Explorers bring in the colors.