2024

Spring has Sprung at PenMet Parks

In This Issue…

• Happy Anniversary, PenMet Parks
• 2023 PenMet Parks Annual Report
• Spring-Summer Activities Registration
• Important Registration Reminders
• Summer Camp Fair March 9
• Coming Soon: A NEW Season for Flag Football
• Parks Appreciation Day is May 4
• Recreation Programs Spotlight
• Financial Assistance is Available

Parks For All. Parks For Life: 2004 to 2024

The Peninsula Metropolitan Park District was formed on May 18, 2004, by a vote of the people on the Gig Harbor Peninsula, in unincorporated Pierce County. This year, we celebrate twenty years of being deeply rooted in our community, and boldly growing into the future.

Today, PenMet Parks serves approximately 40,000 residents in unincorporated Pierce County, managing nearly 650 acres of parkland within our boundaries that span over 50 square miles and delivering recreational programs and events for all ages and abilities.

See you at the park!

We hear from a reliable source that a certain bunny will be in Gig Harbor this spring! Join us for PenMet Parks’ Spring Egg Hunt event. It’s a festive occasion, as children eagerly search for eggs at this long-regarded local family tradition. This delightful event brings the community together for seasonal fun and celebration.

Premier Sponsor

Schulte & Co | NEIGHBORHOOD EXPERTS

This year, Paige Schulte & Co., Neighborhood Experts Real Estate is serving as a PenMet Parks Premier Sponsor. We share a passion for ensuring everyone in our community benefits from parks and recreation opportunities, through hands-on education, events, and activities, regardless of age or abilities.

Glow up your night at the Teen Flashlight Egg Hunt! Search for hidden eggs, then join us at the fun-filled after-party. Enjoy a DJ, games, treats, and more. Don’t miss this chance to create epic memories under the stars! Save the date and bring your flashlight for an unforgettable adventure!

This event is for ages 12-17 and pre-registration is required. Pay-as-you-will registration fee.

Discover the excitement of the upcoming 2024 summer camp season at our dynamic and engaging summer camp fair! Dive into a world of adventure and learning as you connect with PenMet Parks’ passionate staff and instructors. From thrilling outdoor expeditions to captivating arts and sciences programs, this event is your gateway to crafting a summer filled with unforgettable experiences and cherished memories for your family. Start planning now for a season of fun, growth, and exploration!

Important Reminders

Financial Assistance for All Ages

PenMet Parks is committed to reducing financial barriers for fee based programs. We provide financial assistance for all ages and activities for qualifying households. Financial Assistance awards up to 75% off programs up to $400 per person, per calendar year.

Pricing and Refund Policy Updates

We have recently updated some policies at PenMet Parks. The pricing policy includes priority registration for District Residents and a price difference for program fees. Refunds now include an administrative processing fee.

Parks Appreciation Day is May 4

Save the Date!

Join us on May 4! It will be a day of community service at parks throughout Gig Harbor. Help us prepare for the busy spring and summer season!

learn more and sign up

Capital Improvement Projects Update

Community Recreation Center

On February 21, we achieved in important milestone in the construction of the Community Recreation Center. The first steel columns were installed, following a period of site preparation. It is an exciting new phase in the development of this facility. Learn more on our website.

February 10

2-4 PM, 4:30-6:30 PM, 7-9 PM

Ocean5, Gig Harbor

Our FLASH SALE is on now! Register now for our Family Sweetheart Dances on February 10 at Ocean5 in Gig Harbor.

For a limited time, tickets are just $15 per person. Join us for a heartwarming Valentine-themed celebration filled with music, dancing, crafts, and sweet treats. It is a GREAT event for families with children ages 12 and younger. Ages two and younger are FREE.

An Estate With an Environmental Impact

An Interactive Workshop Presented by the

Gig Harbor Land Conservation Fund

February 18, 4-6 PM

Volunteer Vern Pavilion at Sehmel Homestead Park Learn about ways that you can plan for a future gift to support environmental causes in the Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula areas. Advisors from the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation will provide helpful estate planning information, and walk everyone through an exercise that will help you connect your passions of our natural environment with intention and action!  

Pricing and Refund Policy Updates

We have recently updated some policies at PenMet Parks. The pricing policy includes priority registration for District residents and discounted program fees. Refunds now include an administrative processing fee.

Tacoma DeMolay Sandspit Park Master Plan Update

Developing a master plan for the Tacoma DeMolay Sandspit Park is among the highest priorities in PenMet Parks’ Capital Improvement Plan. It will guide improvements to public access at the park by addressing the existing structure, ADA accessibility upgrades, parking lot, and other site improvements. Four concepts have been developed for this project. Input received from the community during public forums has provided essential feedback to the project team. Visit our project website to see the timeline, design concepts, and other important documents.

Meeting Changes and Closure Reminders

Board of Commissioners Meetings

New Location Beginning in February

Starting February 6, the Board of Commissioners will meet at the PenMet Parks Administration Building located at 2416 14th Ave NW in Gig Harbor. The Board of Commissioners’ regular business meetings are open to the public and typically held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 6 PM.

Holiday Closure Reminder

The PenMet Parks’ administration office will be closed in observance of Presidents Day, February 19

Help us Plan for the Future

Tacoma DeMolay Sandspit

Community Open House

Wednesday, January 24 at 5:30 PM

Nichols Community Center

Join us for an interactive discussion as PenMet Parks develops a master plan for the Tacoma DeMolay Sandspit. This project represents a comprehensive process that is designed to engage local residents and stakeholders. There are many natural features to carefully consider in developing a master plan for this 3.56-acre park located on the northeast tip of Fox Island. Community input will help guide how to allow low-impact public access to the park. During the plan development process, special care will be given to protecting vegetation and wildlife of this special waterside ecosystem that includes 1,500 feet of marine shoreline. There is no need to register for this event. Learn more about the Tacoma DeMolay Sandspit by visiting our website.

Special Events

Saturday, February 10

2-4 PM, 4:30-6:30 PM, 7-9 PM

Ocean5, Gig Harbor

Registration begins January 3

Just before Valentine’s Day, join us at Ocean5 for our Family Sweetheart Dances and a heartwarming gathering where parents, children, and loved ones come together to enjoy music, dancing, crafts, and sweet treats. Reserve your space to create lasting memories in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This is a great event for families with children ages 12 and under.

 Fee: $25 per person. 

Capital Improvement Projects Update

Community Recreation Center

Construction of the new indoor Community Recreation Center is underway! This 58,000 square-foot indoor recreation facility will feature a full-size indoor turf field, multi-sport courts for basketball, pickleball, and volleyball, an elevated walk/jog track, community spaces, and an outdoor multipurpose lawn. As part of the project, the miniature golf course will be renovated and the Cushman Trail will be extended, resulting in a comprehensive recreation campus for our community. At the building site, contractors are working on site infrastructure, footings and foundations, and the start of building construction this winter. Check out our progress by viewing a weekly time-lapse video of the construction site. Learn more on our website.