August 2023
Summer fun continues for everyone!
In this Issue…
We are celebrating!
Construction for the new Community Recreation Center (CRC) will commence this summer and we are ready to celebrate with you! Everyone is welcome to join us for the groundbreaking festivities on Thursday, August 24, at 4:30 PM, at the main campus of the Community Recreation Center, 2416 14th Ave NW, Gig Harbor.
The CRC will be more than a recreation facility. With an indoor jogging track, multi-sport courts, an indoor turf field, and multiple gathering spaces the 58,000-square-foot building will support many activities and programs. It will be a transformational, community hub bringing together families, friends, and neighbors of all ages to play, connect, and grow. The miniature golf course will be renovated, and the Cushman Trail expanded as part of the project, creating a comprehensive recreation campus for our community.
Outdoor Events
Free Friday night movies in August
Sit back, relax, and savor FREE Friday summer movie nights under the stars at the Sehmel Homestead Park Amphitheater. The Corndoggery will serve up their famous hand-dipped corn dogs. Check out their online menu and pick your favorite.
Pre-movie entertainment and activities begin an hour before the show and include yard games, bubble fun, chalk art, and energizing movement with guest performances by crowd favorite, Mr. Pleasant.
You may also want to arrive early for family pickleball available from 4-7 PM at the multi-purpose courts.
- Aug 11 @ 8 PM — Shrek (Activities begin at 7 PM)
- Aug 18 @ 5 PM — Sing 2 (Activities begin at 4 PM)
- Aug 25 @ 8 PM — Puss in Boots, The Final Wish (Activities begin at 7 PM)
The Kiwanis Club of Gig Harbor will collect non-perishable food and personal care items for FISH Food Bank.
Music in harmony with nature
Enjoy our final FREE summer concert featuring National Park Radio at the Sehmel Homestead Park Amphitheater on Wednesday, August 16 from 6-8 PM.
The Kiwanis Club of Gig Harbor will collect non-perishable food and personal care items for FISH Food Bank.
Family Fun Fest & Bike Bash
Sehmel Homestead Park
Sunday, August 20 from 11 AM-4 PM
Sponsored by Rotary Club of Gig Harbor, join us for a fun day of live music and hands-on learning for everyone in the family.
Leave the parking to us!
Shuttle service is available from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM from Gig Harbor High School.
- Local favorite The Shy Boys
- Food trucks and entertainment
- Local Makers market
- Bike safety education
- Adaptive bicycle opportunities
- Bounce house
Food and supplies drive
The Kiwanis Club of Gig Harbor will collect non-perishable food, personal care items, and school supplies.
Court sports update
Open play schedule in August
PenMet Parks is piloting a trial period dedicating days and times to certain sports and activities, as well as preserving open times for general play. This experimental schedule is based on your feedback and will run through August 31.
For Seniors
No reservations are required for Senior Social Events
Free Senior Social: First Friday program
Join PenMet Parks for fellowship, games, enrichment activities, and other, unique special events. Coffee and light snacks will be provided.
Arletta Schoolhouse at Hales Pass Park
Friday, August 4 from 11 AM – 12:30 PM
Local author DL Fowler, “The Lincoln Guy,” will discuss his novels and research about the life of President Abraham Lincoln. “Lincoln Raw: A Biographical Novel” and “The Turn: A Bond That Shaped History” make for fascinating historical perspectives.
Please join us and bring a friend!
Free Senior Social: Third Friday program, Games Galore
Join our staff for a variety of board games and cards to choose from for fun, socializing, and gameplay.
Arletta Schoolhouse at Hales Pass Park
Friday, August 18 from 11 AM – 12:30 PM
It’s time for Bunco! This fun and fast-paced dice game gives players the opportunity to enjoy some friendly competition and maybe win a prize. We’ll also have a Fall Senior Program preview.
Get in the groove with Gentle Hatha Yoga
Arletta Schoolhouse at Hales Pass Park
Tuesdays from 3-3:45 PM
This group class guides participants through gentle stretch movements in an inclusive setting. The goals are to proceed toward developing strength, flexibility, and mindful promotion of the connection between movement and breath. This class is designed for mixed-level participants and will include some modifications using chair-based poses. All levels are welcome. Register for individual classes or for the whole month.
Hatha Flow Yoga
Arletta Schoolhouse at Hales Pass Park
Thursdays from 3-3:45 PM
Hatha yoga is another type of practice that guides participants through stretch movements and focused balance poses, as well as fluid pose transitions. Much like gentle yoga, the goals include developing strength, flexibility, and the same mindful connection between movement and breath. This class is recommended for those who are comfortable with a mixture of standing and sitting poses. All levels are welcome. Register for individual classes or for the whole month.
Specialized Recreation
Harbor Social Club
Arletta Schoolhouse
at Hales Pass Park
Thursdays from 10-11:30 AM
Each week we move our bodies by walking, rolling, and dancing. We will also be creative at crafting while maintaining friendships. All physical abilities are welcome.
Adaptive Drumming Circle
Hales Pass Park Picnic Shelter
Tuesdays from 10-11:30 AM
Occupational therapist Denise Tremblay leads sessions with music, movement, and creative activities. Drumming can have a positive effect on the cardio, muscular, and sensory nervous systems and naturally elevates mood.
Check Out These Classes, Camps and Activities
NEW this fall! Adulting 101 workshops for teens
Adulting 101 is a comprehensive series collaborating with local subject matter experts to help teens with the skills needed to transition into adulthood. Teens ages 12-18 will learn an array of skills from budgeting, investing, and interviewing to essential clothing care.
Financial assistance is available for all ages
Financial assistance ensures more access to PenMet Parks fee-based programs for all ages. We offer financial support and payment plans to those in need of assistance to participate in our activities, events, and leagues.
Applications are available online, in person, or over the phone. Contact us if you have questions at [email protected].
PROS Plan
PenMet Parks is developing the 2024 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan to guide the District’s parks and recreation priorities over the next several years. The plan was developed based on feedback from residents, partners, and stakeholders through an array of meetings, open houses, surveys, and online forums to garner public input.
The next steps include a final presentation to and adoption of the PROS Plan by the Board of Commissioners. PenMet Parks will then work to allocate resources to execute the objectives within the PROS Plan over the next 6 years. Thank you for your commitment and engagement during this important planning process.
Park high use alert
From Friday, August 11 through Sunday, August 13, Sehmel Homestead park hosts the Harbor Soccer Club’s annual Tyee Cup Tournament. The Park welcomes more than 160 teams and their fans.