PenMet Parks is expected to receive $515,000 from the Washington State capital budget for the Tacoma DeMolay Sandspit Accessibility and Park Improvements project.
The project will provide ADA accessibility and other enhancements at the DeMolay Sandspit (Bella Bella Beach), a 5.1-acre waterfront park located on the northern tip of Fox Island. PenMet Parks acquired this property in 2010 to provide public access to water-based recreation, and it offers viewpoints, trails, and an expansive beach and sandspit that support diverse recreation activities.
When the project is complete, people of all abilities will have more access to Puget Sound, one of our community’s highest priorities as identified in the 2023 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan.
“PenMet Parks is deeply appreciative of the 26th District legislators, including Senator Krishnadasan, Representative Caldier, and Representative Richards, for their support of our community’s local parks,” Executive Director Ally Bujacich said. “We know that parks and recreation are essential to a thriving community. This funding will create more inclusive opportunities at the DeMolay Sandspit so everyone can enjoy this remarkable place.”
In addition to replacing the existing steep asphalt driveway with a new ADA-compliant pathway that will allow wheelchairs, strollers, and people of all abilities to access the shoreline, the project will provide new accessible facilities like expanded parking, picnic areas, and restrooms while maintaining the unique natural characteristics of the site. The project scope was shaped by a community-driven master planning process that was completed in 2024.
Construction is expected to begin in 2026. The total project cost is expected to be approximately $3.5 million, and additional funding sources include $521,000 through an Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account (ALEA) program grant administered by the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO), which is included in the 25-27 Washington State capital budget, and the PenMet Parks capital budget.
Other community priorities supported by the Washington State capital budget include:
- $511,000 to support the DeMolay Sandspit park expansion through a Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) grant administered by RCO.
- $521,000 to support accessibility upgrades at Narrows Park through an ALEA program grant administered by RCO.
Each of these projects will enhance public access to essential parks and recreation amenities like shoreline and water access points, forests and open space, nature viewing areas, picnic areas, and restroom facilities.
The Washington State capital budget also includes $697,000 through an Estuary and Salmon Restoration program grant administered by RCO to support shoreline restoration at the DeMolay Sandspit. This partnership project between PenMet Parks and Pierce Conservation District is expected to begin in 2025.
The Legislature released its 25-27 capital budget on April 26. The Governor has until May 17 to sign or veto the budget.
PenMet Parks is a metropolitan park district located in unincorporated Pierce County on the Gig Harbor Peninsula. PenMet Parks was established in 2004, and today manages approximately 650 acres of parks and open space and provides hundreds of recreation programs every year for all ages and abilities.