All parks are open 7 am to dusk
Shoreline Restoration Study Information
Property Description
Description: Fox Island DeMolay Sandspit is 3.56 acres on the northwest tip of Fox Island. PenMet Parks purchased this property in 2010. The park will be managed to preserve natural features and host selective activities.
The Peninsula Metropolitan Park District would like to take the time to remind visitors the DeMolay Sand-spit, Fox Island WA (also known as Bella Bella Beach) is a Nature Preserve.
Although there is limited public beach access in the greater Gig Harbor/Fox Island area, the use of the Sandspit and Nature Preserve is intended to allow low-impact activity with special care given to protecting vegetation and wildlife. Off-leash dogs running on the sandspit and vegetation (prohibited) is a serious concern expressed by the biologists consulted.
Remember, access to the nature preserve is dependent on how the site is impacted by its use and how the rules are followed. With overuse, abuse, and continued complaints, PenMet Parks will not be able to maintain the integrity of the preservation.
UPDATE (June 1st, 2022): INCREASED STAFFING AT THE DEMOLAY SANDSPIT BEGINS FOR THE SUMMER
PenMet will be observing the effects of this use and will adjust the rules and attendance limitations as necessary to continue the protection of the property and adhere to good neighbor standards.
Parking is allowed in the area above the entrance. There will be no parking on the roadway in the immediate area of the preserve as indicated by signs, access will be by drop-off or walk-in from legal parking locations elsewhere. It is important to respect the private property owners in the area by only parking lawfully.
The Tacoma DeMolay Sandspit (Bella Bella Beach) sees increased use during the summer, and for good reason. Its beautiful setting, incredible views, and opportunities for saltwater access create a unique environment to enjoy long, warm days. During these high use times, usually Memorial Day through Labor Day, PenMet Parks provides an on-site attendant to provide the best experience for patrons and neighbors of the DeMolay Sandspit.
PenMet Parks has engaged a private staffing firm to act as an on-site park attendant to educate visitors on park regulations, enforce regulations, and serve as a resource for patrons during the peak summer season at the DeMolay Sandspit on an as-needed basis since 2018. The on-site attendant also monitors and manages parking to help ensure cars park in designated areas, not on the roadway. In 2022, PenMet Parks contracted with Seattle’s Finest Security & Traffic Control to provide this service from Memorial Day through Labor Day. New this year, the firm will also lock the gates each night at both the Sandspit and the Fox Island Fishing Pier.
You can find more information about the Sandspit at https://penmetparks.org/parks/demolay-sandspit-nature-preserve/. If you have any questions or wish to share feedback, please call PenMet Parks at (253) 858-3400 or email [email protected]. For assistance with urgent park issues outside of normal business hours, please call (253) 255-0555.
The DeMolay Sandspit is a special place. You can help make sure everyone can enjoy it by:
- Parking only in designated areas along the fence or in the parking lot, and refraining from parking on Bella Bella Drive.
- Leaving natural items where you found them.
- Keep pets on a leash at all times.
- Alcohol, open flames, and fireworks are prohibited.
- Do not trespass onto neighboring properties.
The property is one of PenMet Parks’ waterfront sites for use with non-motorized watercraft that have been adopted into the state’s Cascadia Marine Trail and supported by the Washington Water Trails Association (WWTA). Please see the WWTA’s website for more information here.
Peninsula Metropolitan Park District welcomes visitors to explore new beach access parks in the area, such as Narrows Park and Sunrise Beach Park.
Property Features
General
Open spaces with ample beach access.
Picnic
3 Picnic tables with grassy picnic areas.
Sports
Fishing, Skim Boarding, Paddle Boarding, Kayaking.
Buildings & Venues
One building used for camps classes and activities, Sanicans on Site
Natural Features
Whale watching and beach access.