Groundbreaking held for Key Pen Parks’ Gateway Park

A ceremonial groundbreaking event was held July 4 for Gateway Park, under development by Key Pen Parks on the Key Peninsula.

The groundbreaking was held during the annual Fourth of July Hot Dog Community Social and featured local dignitaries including Sen. Jan Angel, state Reps. Michelle Caldier and Jesse Young, and Pierce County Councilman Derek Young.

The park is currently in the permitting process for the proposed project, said Scott Gallacher, executive director Key Pen Parks.

“We’re just going to take a step back and look at the whole project,” he said. “We hope to have all of our permits back here in the near future.”

Construction for the project is anticipated to begin in 2017, with a dedication and opening of the property held in September 2017.

“We were trying to get some stuff done this year, and we may, but the permitting process is taking a little longer,” Gallacher explained.

Key Pen Parks has already received one grant for the project from the Washington Recreation and Conservation Office.

“We’re a small agency and we seek grant funding,” he said. “Phase one is fully funded and ready to move forward.”

Phase one of the project includes a playground and picnic shelter, donated from the Gig Harbor Rotary, a restroom, a park entrance and exit and trailhead parking for the 360 Trails.

There are five phases in the master plan of the project, Gallacher said, with phase one estimated to cost $1.5 million, with a total project cost of $7.5 million.

Donations for the park’s playground and picnic shelter are still being accepted through the Key Peninsula Parks & Recreation Foundation.

Gateway Park is located at 10215 State Highway 302, across from the Wauna Fire Station.

This story was originally published July 13, 2016 at 3:57 PM with the headline "Groundbreaking held for Key Pen Parks’ Gateway Park."