PenMet seals recreation center land deal, gets permit green light from county
The Peninsula Metropolitan Park District has finalized the purchase of land for its planned Gig Harbor community recreation center, after receiving long-awaited planning permission from Pierce County.
The land deal and green light from the Pierce County Hearing Examiner clears the way for design and construction of the center on the former Performance Golf driving range at 2416 14th Ave.
PenMet completed its $4.3 million purchase of the property and assumed possession of the 17.6 acre site on Friday, Dec. 13.
Long on the wish list of community groups and sports leagues, the new rec center is planned to have 190,000 square feet of space, including an indoor soccer field, a flag football field, pickleball and tennis courts, a walking track and an indoor playground.
The Pierce County Hearing Examiner granted a conditional use permit approval and site plan review approval in November after several negotiated design changes. The original concept included an air-supported dome, but the idea was dropped because of neighborhood opposition.
Newly hired PenMet executive director Doug Nelson said the new center will enhance the district’s ability to help the community grow and provide year-round recreational opportunities.
“It’s a huge project and I couldn’t be more excited to be on the team that will bring it to our community,” said Nelson, who joined the district last week.
PenMet Parks allocated $3,146,381 toward the design on this project in its 2020 budget.
Golf operations at the performance golf center property have been suspended to make way for the next phase of planning and development for the recreation center, according to a PenMet press release.
Fox Island Brewing will vacate its current location at the Performance Golf Center at the end of 2019. A spokesman, Jim Dignam, said the brewpub will open in a new location in Gig Harbor in the fall of 2020. It will continue to operate its brewery and distribute beer locally.
“PenMet Parks extends great appreciation to the Fox Island Brewing, Performance Golf, and Harbor Soccer for their service to the community,” the press release said.
“The district is committed to remaining diligent in working with our neighbors, user groups, and community partners to further the District’s mission and vision of providing diverse recreation opportunities to the Greater Gig Harbor Peninsula community.”
Project design features for the new facility include an indoor recreation space, multipurpose learning spaces, community activity spaces, indoor walking track and an event rental space.
“PenMet Parks takes the responsibility of prudently managing district funds seriously, which means planning, prioritizing, and investing in projects to continue meeting the community’s needs,” the press release said.
The design process will begin immediately now that the property is owned by the district. PenMet will issue a request for proposals next week seeking an architectural firm to lead the design process.
Glenn Akramoff, previous interim executive director, said a huge chunk of the design work will be finished in 2020, although it will carry onto 2021.
This story was originally published December 18, 2019 at 12:00 AM.