Established by voters in 2004, PenMet Parks is an independent agency governed by a 5-member Board of Park Commissioners who are elected to at-large positions representing an unincorporated area that is home to approximately 44,600 people.
Much like a city council or school board, the Commissioners approve policies, adopt an annual budget, and set the direction for the District’s professional staff and volunteers.
The Park Board’s regular business meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 6:00 pm. The Board often conducts study sessions before its business meetings in order to spend more time on specific topics; those sessions usually start at 5:00 pm.
The Board of Park Commissioners desires to allow a maximum opportunity for public comment. However, the business of the Peninsula Metropolitan Park District must proceed in an orderly, timely manner. The purpose of a Board of Commissioners meeting is to conduct the District’s business; it is not a public forum. The Open Public Meetings Act does not require that members of the public be allowed to participate or speak.
Citizens are afforded an opportunity at each regular and special meetings of the Board of Park Commissioners to offer their comments to the Board. Citizens are limited to a three-minute time limit and may only speak once during the Citizen Comment period at each meeting.
All remarks shall be addressed to the Board of Commissioners as a body and not to any specific Commissioner nor members of the staff. All speakers shall be courteous in their language and deportment and shall not engage in or discuss or comment on personalities or indulge in derogatory remarks or insinuations with regard to any Commissioner or any member of the staff or the public.
Beginning June 1st, 2020, PenMet Parks Board meetings will be held in person at the location specified on the agenda. PenMet Parks will continue to follow local health authority and CDC guidelines.
Note: Occasionally holidays, the anticipation of greater public participation, or special presentations make it necessary to hold meetings at different dates, times, or locations. Please check this site for changes, cancellations, and announcements of special meetings.
Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes
Upcoming Board Meetings
Board Members
President
Amanda Babich
Position #5
Education: Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA
Professional Experience: Over a decade of experience in Parks & Recreation, non-profit programming, youth advocacy, outdoor experiential education, and university intramural sports management
Personal Information: I am a mother of three and married to a lifelong Gig Harbor resident. My husband and I own and operate several commercial fishing vessels based here in Gig Harbor and enjoy being active community members both in our businesses and our family.
Clerk
Kurt Grimmer
Position #1
Education: BA Finance & Accounting, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA
Professional Experience: 30 years of experience in the financial services industry; Bank Auditor; Bank Controller; Real Estate Financing and Management; Financial Advisor.
Personal Information: 35-year resident of Gig Harbor. With my wife, Diane, we raised three children through local schools and recreation programs. We engage in outdoor activities around the Peninsula and enjoy the many natural and cultural amenities offered in our community.
Commissioner
Maryellen (Missy) Hill
Position #2
Education: Master’s in Public Administration, University of Washington, Seattle, WA; Bachelors of Arts, University of Washington, Tacoma, WA
Professional Experience: Human Services professional specializing in creating and managing employment and training programs for special demographics; project management, nonprofit management, board development and staffing; program management, human resources, grant writing and partnership development.
Personal Information: My family and I relocated to Gig Harbor 27 years ago; we enjoy living in the Pacific Northwest especially the greater Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula region.
Commissioner
Steve Nixon
Position #3
Education: Gig Harbor High School, Washington State University, Associate of Technical Arts, Bates Technical College
Personal Information: I grew up on Wollochet Bay, where I still live. Attended our Peninsula Schools from elementary through graduation from GHHS. I am married and have one adult son. I have enjoyed the opportunity to grow up, live and work in the Gig Harbor community. I enjoy many sports and activities, so you may see me out enjoying one of our parks near you.
Professional Experience: Assistant Fire Chief – Gig Harbor Fire and Medic One
Commissioner
Laurel Kingsbury
Position #4
Education: Master of Education, Pacific Lutheran University
Professional Experience: Teaching – 8 years including public and private and with the Washington State Legislature’s Page School Program; Government Relations Coordinator with the U.S Olympic Committee; Staffer with U.S Congressman.
Personal Information: When my family moved back to Gig Harbor nearly eight years ago, I was overjoyed to find we lived near vast hiking trails that lead to a beautiful PenMet Park. It only took one rejuvenating hike before I knew I was in my element, my home, my community. Raising our kids here not only meant that they would be immersed and connected to nature but as a family, we would be the 5th generation rooted in the Gig Harbor community.