The Board of Commissioners of the Peninsula Metropolitan Park District (PenMet Parks) has voted to place a levy renewal on the November 2023 ballot. This would not be a new tax on residents, but it would renew the six-year levy voters approved in 2017 and expires this year.
PenMet Parks manages 22 parks and properties within unincorporated Pierce County on the Gig Harbor peninsula, outside city limits. The District’s total population has grown steadily since it was formed in 2004 and today PenMet Parks is serving more people than ever before. The community is projected to continue to grow over the next several years.
Renewing the levy would allow PenMet Parks to keep pace with population growth and inflation and expand access to parks and recreation opportunities, including hiking and walking trails, open space, saltwater beaches and programming for all ages and abilities. If the levy is renewed, it would fund more access to parks and programs in reflecting the community’s vision for its park system, provided through open forums and surveys.
A sunset over Rosedale Park
“It is my responsibility as a Commissioner to ensure that the Park District has adequate funding to support the mission of PenMet Parks,” Board President Steve Nixon said Tuesday night before the board voted on the levy renewal. “As a Commissioner, I feel it is important to put this measure on the ballot so that we can continue to adequately fund the Capital Improvement Plan, Park Operations, and Community Recreation. I feel operating within our statutory funding is what the community expects and supports.”
District residents can visit our Parks and Recreation levy renewal page on our website for more information and to view a schedule of upcoming open house events.
Staying Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) class in the Arletta Schoolhouse at Hales Pass Park
