Recreation Center Capital Campaign

Two people in mid-swing, kicking a bright yellow soccer ball into an indoor turf field goal with their backs to the camera. Text over the image reads: "PenMet Parks Recreation Center Capital Campaign. You did it. PenMet Parks Capital Campaign exceeded its $4 million goal thanks to you." Inside the goal text is overlayed with the word "score" repeated three times. The PenMet Parks logo is in the upper right corner.

We reached our $4 million goal!

Because of you…

On April 28, 2026, we exceeded our $4 million public/private Capital Campaign goal to support the PenMet Parks Recreation Center. With immeasurable gratitude, we honor the transformative impact of our community’s generosity. Every gift, at every level served as a cornerstone for this project. We extend our gratitude to each person who was part of this journey. Your support is a crucial part of this shared success.

Donation Timeline

  • 2023: $362,200 private donations; $1,750,000 public grants
  • 2024: $626,250 private donations
  • 2025: $1,136,966 private donations
  • 2026: $134,063 private donations

Read FAQs about the Recreation Center and its funding here.

A message from Park Board President William C. “Billy” Sehmel:

This summer marks an important milestone for PenMet Parks as we celebrated the one-year anniversary of the PenMet Parks Recreation Center opening its doors on July 1, 2025. What was once a bold vision for our community is now a thriving gathering place where people of all ages come together to play, learn, connect and stay active.

As we reflect on this achievement, I am proud to share another significant milestone: PenMet Parks has reached – and exceeded – our $4 million public/private capital campaign goal in support of the Recreation Center project.

This accomplishment would not have been possible without the extraordinary generosity of our community. Over the course of the campaign, private donors contributed more than $2.25 million toward the project. Their support, combined with $1.75 million in state funding secured through legislative appropriations, helped bring this vision to life. We are deeply grateful to our state legislators who recognized the importance of investing in recreation, wellness and community spaces on the peninsula.

Much of this campaign took place quietly behind the scenes while our team worked diligently to build partnerships and invite supporters to join us in creating something lasting for future generations. The response was inspiring. Individuals, families, businesses and community advocates stepped forward because they believed in the power of parks and recreation to strengthen lives and build connections.

The Recreation Center was a long time in the making, and we are especially proud that the project was completed on budget at $31.6 million. Today, the facility stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when a community comes together around a shared vision.

On behalf of the Board of Park Commissioners, thank you to every donor, partner, advocate and community member who helped make this dream a reality. Your investment will benefit our community for generations to come.

Parks for All. Parks for Life.
William C. “Billy” Sehmel
President
Board of Park Commissioners

Supporters

Named Spaces & Donor Recognition

The following rooms and spaces have been named in recognition of some of the generous individuals, families, and organizations whose significant contributions to the Capital Campaign helped make the facility and adjacent campus possible:

PenMet Parks District Headquarters Building

  • Woodworth Family Foundation Conference Room
  • Rick Ellingson Family Servery
  • Ocean5 Community Room

PenMet Parks Recreation Center

  • Jarzynka Memorial Fieldhouse (indoor turf)
  • The Names Family Foundation (multi-use courts)
  • Ben B. Cheney Foundation Track
  • Stephen and Rita Anderson Patio
  • Peninsula Art League Wall
  • HOA Community Solutions, LLC (multi-purpose meeting room)
  • Charles P. Meacham Family (multi-purpose fitness room)
  • Marty and Stacy Paul Lobby

Fieldhouse Wall

  • Titus-Will Automotive Group
  • The Lindsay Jackman Group
  • BBQ2U Gary Parker
  • Stephen and Rita Anderson

Sport Court Wall

  • Peninsula Athletic Association
  • Harnish Auto Family
  • Luke and Alisa Xitco

Outdoor areas

  • Harborstone Field (event lawn and field)
  • Neighborhood Greens Mini Golf Course
  • Rotary Club of Gig Harbor (Mini Golf Hole #1)
  • Gig Harbor Aesthetics and Wellness (Mini Golf Hole #3)
  • Michael and Allison Bujacich Family (Mini Golf Hole #7)
  • The Rivers Group (Mini Golf Hole #8)
  • Revitalize Metabolic Health (Mini Golf Hole #11)
  • De Falco Family Foundation (Mini Golf Hole #14)

Be part of PenMet Parks Recreation Center history

The PenMet Parks Recreation Center with an American Flag on the flagpole out front, blue skies in the background and a cement bench in the foreground.

While we met our Capital Campaign goal, we are still offering the opportunity for people to give to support the Recreation center through the purchase of a bench tile.

For $500, you receive a 4-inch by 8-inch tile that you can personalize with a special message. The tiles will be installed on concrete benches in front of the PenMet Parks Recreation Center.

Give with impact – Order your tile today.

Jarzynka Memorial Fieldhouse Dedication

On May 31, 2025, the Jarzynka Memorial Fieldhouse was dedicated to honor the inspirational life of Gig Harbor High School and University of Washington sports hero Joe Jarzynka.