Parks projects are underway, but there’s still a long way to go – Gig Harbor Now

Local Government Health and Wellbeing

PenMet Parks commissioners heard news Tuesday about a new park at the former Peninsula Gardens kindergarten site and improvements at Tacoma DeMolay Sandspit Park. Both are on the way, but neither will bring joy any time soon.

Of the two, the Sandspit effort is slightly ahead. Tacoma DeMolay already exists as Fox Island Park, and the board adopted an improvement master plan on March 19. Although the Peninsula Gardens property is developed, it needs to be converted from a former nursery to a park. Commissioners are scheduled to adopt the master plan on Jan. 7.

DeMolay Sandspit location map. Courtesy of PenMet Parks/Baumweld Architects

Derrick Eberle of consulting firm Baumweld Architects told the board during a study session at the Arletta Schoolhouse that planning for the Sandspit Park improvements is 30% complete. In late January, 60% of construction documents will be submitted to Pierce County for what is expected to be a six-month permitting process. This will continue into July, followed by a month to finalize the plans.

Construction of DeMolay Park is expected to begin in fall 2026

The schedule calls for a request for proposal to be submitted in spring 2026 with construction work in the summer and completion in the fall.

The masterplan improvements sit above the headland. PenMet is working with the Pierce Conservation District on a concurrent shoreline restoration project, primarily removing old concrete bulkheads and restoring natural slope. This work is expected to begin in August 2025. During this time, the upland project would be halted to allow use of a paved access to the park, which is scheduled to be removed.

Derrick Eberle of consultant Baumweld Architects speaks during an earlier meeting.

Starting at the top of the 3.6-acre property, the parking lot will be expanded from 23 to 39 spaces. A sidewalk leads from there to Island Boulevard and follows the street down to a parking area with two handicapped parking spaces. Stairs from the parking lot and a sidewalk from the drop-off zone meet on an upper lawn flanked by a restroom and picnic area.

Two walkways to the beach

Two footbridges lead down to the beach. A direct, shorter route is via stairs. Next to it, an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant paved path winds back and forth for 600 feet to the same destination. You will reach a smaller grassy area, a second toilet and a concrete beach area with picnic tables. The beach is accessible from three points.

The project will not require as much grading and backfilling as originally anticipated, which is good news for the budget and the environment, Eberle said Tuesday. Much of this would occur along the switchback section to keep it below the 5% ADA grade. Trees would be lost there for the same reason.

“We’re trying to keep everything we can, but it’s a challenge,” Eberle said.

Sketch view of the delivery area. Courtesy of PenMet Parks/Baumweld Architects

PenMet approved a $1.9 million budget for the project, one of its top priorities, in February 2023. Included in this total is $1.2 million for the highest priorities identified in the Master Plan.

Eberle in February estimated the total cost at $2.75 million. The work will be divided into two phases. Ally Bujacich, executive director of PenMet, said Tuesday that the district is still deciding on each phase.

Phase 2 candidates

Eberle said in February that replacing an old cinder block house with a new building, paving the parking lot and adding the lower lawn, restroom and beach plaza could be candidates for Phase 2.

PenMet expects to close a large portion of the park during construction, but details have yet to be determined, Bujacich said.

The park district acquired the former camp on the northeast tip of the island from the Tacoma DeMolay Club in 2010.

Peninsula Gardens update

During the regular board meeting, Sarah Singleton-Schroedel of consultant AHBL provided an update on the draft Peninsula Gardens master plan ahead of its adoption next month.

Peninsula Gardens preferred alternative. Courtesy of PenMet Parks/AHBL

Commissioners toured the plan Oct. 15 and provided feedback. Consultants updated the plan to orient the pickleball courts in a north-south direction and provide an enclosed community space.

The 10.6-acre West Gig Harbor Park will feature a large lawn large enough for U-12 soccer games, with a performance room, picnic shelters and benches surrounding the lawn. The plan includes two sand volleyball courts, six pickleball courts, separate playgrounds for big and small children, a small community garden, art and restrooms. The east side features off-leash parks for small and large dogs, as well as hiking trails that wind through the existing forest.

To date, $3.7 million has been allocated

The park district’s 6-year capital improvement plan for 2025 and 2026 includes $3.7 million for the design and construction of the first phase. The plan estimates the total cost at $10.5 million. Singleton-Schroedel warned that Phase 1 will “set the table” for amenities that won’t be available until later when more funding becomes available.

Advisor Sarah Singleton-Schroedel at a previous meeting. Photo by Ed Friedrich

The first phase includes multiple site studies, planning, permitting, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, retaining walls, grading, water, stormwater, parking lot upgrades and demolition of existing buildings. PenMet expects planning and permitting to occur in 2025-26, followed by construction in 2026-27.

Lawn portion of the first phase of Peninsula Gardens

“At the end of Phase 1, the new park site will feature a parking lot, a large grassy area for multi-use activities and walking paths,” the plan states.

Although there are no sports fields or playgrounds available in Phase 1, planning should avoid having to close the site to add these facilities later.

“Now that we have the vision, how do we do this in a thoughtful way?” Singleton-Schroedel said. “How can we make it a real asset, a park, right from the start? We incorporate walkways and the great lawn and plant some trees to help them develop. You don’t see the hard work, but you’re setting the table for subsequent sets. In the second phase, focus on the playgrounds, active sports areas, toilets and shelters.”

The park district purchased the former nursery in 2011 for $1 million.

The board passed a resolution Tuesday designating the Tacoma DeMolay Sandspit Park and Peninsula Gardens projects as its legislative priorities for capital budget funding in 2025. PenMet received a $1 million grant in 2023 for its community recreation center.

Dog park closure extended

Supply chain delays and inclement weather forced Tubby’s Trail Dog Park to close from Nov. 30 through the end of the year, PenMet said.

The park district opened a temporary dog ​​park in Peninsula Gardens, but the county’s permit expired Nov. 30. Bujacich said Tuesday that PenMet is working with the county to try to extend the permit.

Tubby’s closed July 15 to install a new stepped rain garden, accessible parking and a new ADA trail to allow users to access the rain garden.

The outer part will not open until spring 2025 to allow grass and shrubs to become established. The Rotary Bark Park at 10100 Bujacich Road NW is available.