Current Projects

PenMet Parks is committed to creating, improving, and maintaining high-quality parks and park facilities. This is accomplished through the District’s Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) and the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The CFP is part of the District’s long-range planning efforts reviewed every six years. The CIP is part of the District’s short-range planning efforts examined annually. The Capital plans provide an opportunity to maintain, update, and identify capital projects and acquisitions. Through project planning, the District is able to schedule and identify options for financing in order to create a comprehensive and strategic plan for the future. Please see below for an outline of current projects.

For more information, please email [email protected] or call 253-858-3400

Hales Pass Park and Arletta Schoolhouse Renovation Project

The Arletta Schoolhouse is listed on National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1938 under WPA (Works Progress Administration) along with the 1940 WPA picnic shelter. The Schoolhouse and property is a community treasure and was identified as capital improvement priority. Work on a total renovation of the interior and exterior structures commenced in spring 2022. Currently the project is approximately 90% complete. Final interior work is concluding in July with occupancy anticipated shortly after. Exterior improvement will continue throughout the end of summer with a grand reopening tentatively scheduled for early October. 

Project elements include:

• Accessibility improvements for all users
• Complete renovation of the restrooms
• Well replacement
• New paved parking area
• Restoration of the original woodwork throughout the building
• Replacing aged systems throughout the schoolhouse
• Replacement of existing concrete under the pavilion
• enhanced outdoor power options
• Repairs, painting, and sealing of exterior finishes

All work will preserve the historical integrity of the schoolhouse while increasing the usability and access to this valued community asset.

For more information on the National Registry of Historic Places, visit: https://npgallery.nps.gov/nrhp

Project Information:

Contractor: Grenlar Construction

Total construction cost: $1,330,263

Construction Schedule: Spring 2022 – Fall 2022

Community Recreation Center (CRC)

PenMet Parks Board of Commissioners has approved plans to develop a new state-of-the-art community recreation center on the Gig Harbor Peninsula. The District has retained the service of Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture to assist in the planning and development of this project. The final exterior design selected meets the design standards as set by Pierce County, providing a campus-like environment with the two facilities complimenting each other across a multi-use grass area that has the potential to hold large community events as well as providing sports field use. On back of the campus parallel to state Highway 16, the Cushman Trail will be extended, providing the opportunity to serve as another trail head for this wonderful community trail. In addition to the overall CRC project, the former miniature golf area will be renovated for future use.

Phase I

The first phase of the CRC project is the demolition of the existing Tee-Box structure,  renovation of the existing building, improvements to the septic system, and access improvements for emergency vehicles. Phase I work has been awarded through the Board of Commissioners with work anticipated to start at the beginning of August. Upon completion this renovated structure will house all PenMet public meetings, and provide office space for PenMet employees, eliminating the need for leased office space.

Project information:

Contractor: Grenlar Construction

Total construction cost: $943,118.00

Construction Schedule: Summer 2022 – Fall 2022

Phase II

Final design and development is close to concluding with citizen focus group engagement underway. Final Construction drawings are anticipated to be complete in fall 2022 with advertisement to bid to follow shortly thereafter.

Project information:

Contractor: Not awarded

Total construction cost:

Construction Schedule: Winter 2022 – Fall 2023

Want to Learn More?

We are excited to share information and news related to this project. Please check back soon for updates and stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to help shape the future of community recreation in Gig Harbor.

For questions or inquiries please contact:

John Adams, Capital Projects Manager – [email protected]

Denis Ryan, Director of Park Services – [email protected]

• Community Recreation Center Open HouseThursday, January 20, 2022
• Design for the future Community Recreation Center is underway.Monday, March 22, 2021
• PenMet Parks Finalizes Community Recreation Center Feasibility, Concept Design, and Proforma ReportWednesday, February 3, 2021
• PenMet Parks drafting Community Recreation Center Feasibility, Concept Design, and Proforma ReportMonday, December 7, 2020
• Request for Qualifications to Design Community Recreation CenterWednesday, March 4, 2020

Sehmel Homestead Park Turf Replacement

PenMet Parks retained SiteWorkshop Landscape Architecture to develop a conceptual plan for the turf replacement at Sehmel Homestead Park.  The scope of the project is to evaluate the existing conditions, recommend drainage solutions and turf replacement product, and assess the most appropriate project delivery method with the overarching goal, to provide a high-quality project for our community.

This project is substantially complete, and the field is available for use. Final punch list items are anticipated to be complete by the end of July. This project has provided for the new enhanced amenities:

• Improved sub-turf drainage
• Monofilament/slit film blend turf
• Interchangeable soccer goals, and field goals
• Revamped field markings
• Enhanced concrete entrance to provide a staging area for large events
• New additional access point closer to the playground
• Additional power supply for special events

Rosedale Hall Improvements

Improvements to Rosedale Hall has been identified as a District strategic priority. Similar to the Arletta Schoolhouse, this project will focus on accessibility improvements including exterior entry access, restroom accessibility and total renovation of interior and interior finishes.

Requests for Qualifications for Architectural/Engineering Services to evaluate the existing building for improvements closed 5/24/2022. PenMet will be conducting final consultant interviews and selecting a finalist in July with an anticipated award date in August. At the conclusion of the evaluation conducted by an architectural and engineering firm, the project design phase will commence. Construction work is anticipated to start winter 2022 with project completion anticipated late spring 2023.

Sehmel Homestead Park Playground Improvements

This project is currently in the planning phase and will provide for:

• Removal of over 5,000 square feet of existing fall attenuation tiles
• Required drainage improvements
• Replacement of damaged or missing playground components
• Installation of poured-in play fall protection surfacing

Project information:

Contractor: Not Awarded

Total construction cost: $163,000

Construction Schedule: Summer 2022

Community Aquatic Center and Dedicated Senior Space Feasibility Studies

PenMet Parks has advertised for a request for proposal (RFP) for a firm with expertise in aquatic facilities, senior centers, and feasibility studies to perform feasibility studies to evaluate an aquatics facility and a dedicated space for seniors. The findings of the study will assist PenMet in future planning efforts as we prepare for the future. 

Project information:

Consultant: Anticipated award August 2022

Total Feasibility Study Budget: $105,000

Feasibility Schedule: Summer/Fall 2022