City of Gig Harbor Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan

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1 City of Gig Harbor Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan EFFECTIVE DATE JUNE 26, 2010 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 3510 Grandview Street Gig Harbor, Washington

2 2010 Park Plan this page intentionally left blank ii

3 2010 Park Plan Table of Contents Acknowledgements....v Executive Summary..vi Chapter 1: Introduction....1 o Planning Area o History o Land Use and Development o Natural Environment o Population o Age o Transportation o Planning Efforts o Significant Changes Included in this Plan Chapter 2: Inventory and Existing Park and Recreation Resources..11 o Park, Recreation and Open Space Inventory o Trails and Non Motorized Transportation o Other Park, Recreation and Open Space Lands o Recreation Programs o Cultural Programs o Art Programs o Community Events o Opportunities and Challenges Chapter 3: Public Involvement o Parks Commission o City of Gig Harbor 2008, National Citizen Survey o Community Intercept Interviews o Public Workshop Chapter 4: Demand and Need Analysis...27 o Summary o Population Projections o Park Levels of Service Standards Chapter 5: Vision, Goals and Policies.31 Chapter 6: Acquisition and Development Plan.. 39 o Past Park Funding for Capital Improvements iii

4 2010 Park Plan o Capital Improvement Program and 20 year Plan o Acquisitions and Development Plans o 2010 Draft Parks Capital Improvement Program Appendix A: Park Profiles.. A1 Appendix B: City of Gig Harbor Park and Trail Locations Map...B1 Appendix C: Public Involvement Documentation.C1 NOTE: Due the length of Appendix C (211 pages), it is bound and copied separately to keep printing costs to a minimum. This appendix is on file with the City Clerk and copies may be purchased for an additional fee. iv

5 2010 Park Plan Acknowledgements Mayor Charles L. Hunter City Council Paul Conan Steven Ekberg Jim Franich Paul Kadzik Ken Malich Tim Payne Derek Young Parks Commission Jim Borgen Emily Cross Jacquie Goodwill Michael Perrow Nick Tarabochia City Staff Rob Karlinsey, City Administrator Marco Malich, Public Works Superintendent Tom Dolan, Planning Director Kristin Moerler, Associate Planner Dan Lilley, Field Supervisor Terri Reed, Operations Assistant Lita Dawn Stanton, Special Projects Coordinator Laureen Lund, Marketing Director v

6 2010 Park Plan Executive Summary The 2010 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan (Park Plan) for Gig Harbor represents the City s vision, and provides goals and objectives for the development of parks, recreation and open spaces in Gig Harbor for the next six years and beyond. It replaces the Plan adopted in Since the adoption of the previous Plan in 2003, the City of Gig Harbor has completed many park projects and has acquired significant park properties. New park projects include the Civic Center which includes a large multi use public green, skate park, and playground; Kenneth Leo Marvin Veterans Memorial Park and a two mile expansion of the Cushman Trail. Park properties acquired since 2003 include two sites adjacent to City Park that help protect Crescent Creek, Eddon Boat Park and Austin Estuary. These projects were made possible through grants and partnerships with business, organizations, government, outside funders, and citizens. This plan update was put together using a variety of approaches including: Direction and vision from the Parks Commission Public Workshop Information gathered from the 2008 National Citizen Survey Community Intercept Interviews Staff input Review of site or project specific committee recommendations related to parks City Council public hearing and adoption The general themes expressed by the public include: Trail development Expanding partnerships to leverage City funds Pursuing the acquisition of additional land in developing areas Improving public access to natural features including shoreline and critical areas Using local standards adopted in the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan, the City will need additional park acres. Given the importance of public access to the City s waterfront and trail connections expressed by the public, levels of service have been developed for waterfront parks and trails. Funding will continue to be scarce, so taking advantage of grants, partnerships and local resources will be necessary. This plan outlines options and strategies to complete different projects and aspects of the plan. Project funding, prioritization and scope are reviewed each year as a part of the annual budget process and update of the capital facilities element of the Comprehensive Plan. The 2010 Gig Harbor Park Recreation and Open Space Plan will help guide the city staff, park commission and city council into meeting identified gaps in services and park development in order to meet the need and support the quality of life for our citizens in the coming years. vi

7 2010 Park Plan Chapter 1 Introduction Parks, recreational facilities and open spaces serve as vital parts of the community s character, providing recreation opportunities, visual relief from urban development and habitat areas for wildlife. This plan identifies Gig Harbor s existing park and open space resources; outlines the City s need for additional parks and open space; and incorporates a plan for acquisition and development that reflects the community vision. A strong park system is vital to the Gig Harbor community. The City s parks and open space system provides places for residents and visitors to play, exercise or simply retreat. As the city s population grows, the demand for park facilities increases; and land once available for additional parks can be lost to development. Undeveloped or partially developed land, whether it is city owned or not, is vital for providing trails, wildlife corridors, protecting natural resources, and scenic views. It is important that the City anticipate the growing demand on the City s park and open space resources in order to maintain the qualities and services that define the City. It is also important for the City to consider the parks, recreation systems and open spaces that have been developed by other providers in the area to assure that the City system compliments those opportunities. The City of Gig Harbor has been active in planning for parks since adoption of its first Park and Recreation Plan in The City incorporated open spaces into the park plan for the first time in The most recent update to the City s Park Plan was developed in 2001 and adopted in These planning efforts have resulted in an impressive inventory of existing parks that range from smaller picnic areas, to larger community wide parks. In the summer of 2008, the City began the process to update the 2001 Plan and identify the community s park, facility, and programming needs for the coming years, and to prepare a sixyear plan in accordance with Recreation Conservation requirements. Planning Area The City of Gig Harbor in Pierce County, Washington, is known appropriately as the Maritime City. It is located on the Gig Harbor Peninsula, in southern Puget Sound, the western most of several sub peninsulas that extend southward from the dominant Kitsap Peninsula. The area basks in a moderate climate with sunny summers and moderately rainy winters. Colvos Passage separates Gig Harbor from Vashon Island to the north and from the mainland to the east. Point Defiance is on the mainland east of and across from the harbor entrance. The Narrows, known for its strong currents, extends southward between the Gig Harbor Peninsula and its larger neighbor, the City of Tacoma, located just a few miles away. With a land area of 1

8 Chapter Park Plan 6.13 square miles, the City encompasses only a portion of what is known as the greater Gig Harbor Key Peninsula. The City s 2009 city limits define the planning area that will be used in this plan (see map). The 2009 boundaries were used for consistency with population projections planned for use in the City s next GMA required periodic Comprehensive Plan update. While the 2009 City limits define the planning area it is important for the City to also consider the needs of the larger Urban Growth Area (UGA) as these areas are anticipated to be annexed in the future. History For thousands of years, Native Americans built their homes along the shore of the harbor. In the latter half of the 19th century, the sheltered harbor and abundant natural resources began attracting Euro Americans. Predominant immigrant groups were Croatians, who launched the local commercial fishing industry, and Scandinavians, many of whom established farms and small businesses. Adding to the mix were other European immigrants, along with an influx of families from the American Midwest. As in other parts of the Puget Sound region, logging companies cut down the peninsula s old growth forests, some of which were left in a natural state to grow back while others were replaced by small farms. Sawmills were present on the waterfront until the middle of the 20th century. However, family commercial fishing operations dominated the waterfront and developed as the community s major industry, along with related boat building. Ferries and small steamers delivered passengers and goods to and from nearby islands and the mainland. 2

9 2010 Park Plan Chapter 1 Reminders of how important commercial fishing was to the community s early growth is evident in the simple over the water structures known as netsheds that still remain along the historic waterfront. Some are still in use, operated by third and fourth generation Croatians who continue to fish commercially. As of this writing, most of Gig Harbor s working waterfront has given way to recreational use. The picturesque waterfront attracts residents and tourists who enjoy walks along Harborview Drive. Detailed walking tour brochures are readily available and the City has established a series of mini parks along the waterfront, most of which commemorate people and events in local history. Several historic buildings have been converted to use as restaurants, gift shops, and antique stores. The City has acquired a number of culturally significant landmark properties that have become public parks. They include Eddon Boatyard, Jerisich Dock, Skansie Brothers Park and Wilkinson Farm. Land Use and Development Understanding existing land uses and development patterns helps to establish the groundwork for determining park needs. While sports fields and playgrounds are typically desirable in residential areas, smaller open spaces and public gathering areas are more common for commercial and industrial areas. A complete inventory of the City s park and open space system is included in Chapter 2. The City of Gig Harbor is longer from north to south than it is wide from east to west. Historically, development was 3

10 Chapter Park Plan concentrated in the central City area, close to the harbor. Because the City is physically constrained by the Puget Sound, the majority of development is occurring along the Highway 16 corridor and in the northern portion of the City. The City s commercial core, and employment and institutional land uses are generally located along Highway 16, above the older and more historic downtown located alongside the harbor. In 2008 the City adopted neighborhood design areas which reflect eight unique neighborhoods within the City. As the intent of these design areas is to facilitate the development of common facilities including trails, parks, and open spaces within neighborhoods, they are important to consider in this plan. The following eight neighborhoods have been designated: View Basin, Soundview, Gig Harbor North, Peacock Hill, Rosedale/Hunt, Westside, Bujacich Road / NW Industrial, and Purdy. See Chapter 3 of the Gig Harbor Comprehensive Plan for detailed descriptions of these areas. Natural Environment Identifying Gig Harbor s natural resources is an important component of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan. The natural environment provides habitat and refuge for fish and wildlife, enhances water, air and soil quality, and provides areas for recreation, reflection and relaxation. Almost all of the City s existing parks are located beside a creek, estuary or grove of trees. In March of 2005, the City adopted a stream and wetland inventory. 1 The 2001 Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan Update included a discussion of natural resources in Gig Harbor. However, at the time of the 2001 Plan Update, the City did not have a stream and wetland inventory. The inventory is an important reference when planning for parks, especially when considering the impacts of park use and development on the natural environment. This section identifies important findings of the inventory that are relevant to this plan. The City s topography is varied with several hilly plateaus sloping towards the harbor, divided by six major streams. Two of these streams Crescent Creek and Donkey Creek run alongside popular City parks. The inventory concluded that there are three major drainage basins within the City s UGA: Henderson Bay/Burley Lagoon to the northwest; Gig Harbor Bay; and, Wollochet Bay to the south. Many of the larger wetlands are located along major streams within these drainage basins, with estuarine wetlands along the shorelines of Gig Harbor and Henderson Bay. The study also provides a list of priority species that are present in the Gig Harbor and associated UGA. Priority species is a State of Washington designation that includes species that 1 Inventory of Streams and Wetlands Memo, City of Gig Harbor, March

11 2010 Park Plan Chapter 1 require protective measures due to their population status, sensitivity to habitat alteration, and/or recreational, commercial, or tribal importance. Depending on their habitat needs, these species may use streams, wetlands, shorelines, open waters, and other portions of the City and UGA for breeding, foraging, or travel corridors at different times of year. Based on the Stream and Wetland Inventory, priority species mapped or documented in Gig Harbor and the associated UGA include: Bald Eagle; Osprey; Mountain Quail; Purple Martin; Great Blue Heron; Chinook Salmon; Coho Salmon; and, Cutthroat Trout. Because Gig Harbor provides refuge for several priority animal species, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has identified priority habitats that exist in the area. According to the Stream and Wetland Inventory, WDFW defines these areas as habitats that have a unique or significant value to a diverse number of species. Priority habitats and other important natural features identified in Gig Harbor and the associated UGA include: Douglas fir/western hemlock/salal/swordfern forest; Old growth/mature forest; Estuaries; and, Lagoons. Planning for parks near these wetlands and sensitive habitats will require careful consideration and coordination with regulatory agencies. Gig Harbor s shoreline is regulated by Title 18 of the City s Municipal Code, as well as the City s Shoreline Master Program which regulates development based on the State s Shoreline Management Act. Additional entities responsible for management of wetland and shoreline planning include Pierce County, and state and federal agencies. Population The City s population is presently 7,521 residents. Washington State s Growth Management Act has been in effect for nearly 20 years. Growth management requires that cities and counties coordinate on anticipated population increases. The Growth Management Coordinating Committee (GMCC) of the Pierce County Regional Council (PCRC) is in the process of allocating residential population for the cities and unincorporated areas of Pierce County for At this time the process is nearing completion (anticipated to be adopted in summer 2010) and the City has accepted a revised population projection of 10,500 for This plan utilizes the anticipated 2030 projection of 10,500 residents and the 2010 (start of year) City boundaries upon which that projection is based. 5

12 Chapter Park Plan This projection represents a reduction in anticipated population compared to prior plans adopted by the City. The projections used in the 2004 Comprehensive Plan update reflected an anticipated population of 10,800 in The reduction in population allocation reflects new Puget Sound Regional Council policy to allocate future population increases to larger Puget Sound cities which are positioned to provide housing near regional employment centers. While this change will not drastically affect City residential densities, it will likely result in reduced pressure to accommodate high density residential development. This may present an opportunity to consider policies which achieve more significant and/or greater open space areas. Age In 2000, the median age of Gig Harbor residents was 44.6, with 79.7 percent of the population the age of 18 and over. In the same year, the median age for Pierce County was 34.1, with 72.8 percent of the population the age of 18 and over. According to this data, Gig Harbor residents are relatively older than the County average. This is especially evident when looking at the percentage of the population age 65 and older. In 2000, the percentage of the City population age 65 and older was 23.4 percent, while the County s percentage of this population was only 10.2 percent. The park planning process should include the needs of all residents of the City. While it is important to plan for all age groups, the larger percentage of older residents in Gig Harbor will require additional consideration. Some possible considerations include accessible walkways and paths, and park amenities such as benches and picnic tables. 6

13 2010 Park Plan Chapter 1 Transportation Transportation plays an important role in the park and recreation system. Distances, mode of travel, accessibility, and route options between parks and other destinations can all affect park use. Highway 16 is the major transportation route that separates the City into east and west. While the highway receives through vehicle traffic, it also serves local residents that are heading from one end of the City to the other. This arterial is also a barrier that limits connectivity between the two sides of the City. Parks that are separated from more developed areas, or that lack safe accessibility, increase reliance on vehicle travel. While vehicle parking is important for some types of parks especially for disabled users accessibility for bicyclists, pedestrians, even kayakers should all be considered when discussing park design. Parks that take access from higher speed roads with no sidewalks or bike lanes and narrow shoulders, can limit bicycle and pedestrian access. Additionally, park sites that take access onto blind corners, or straight segments of streets where speeding can occur, create important safety concerns. Development of new parks and the design of existing parks should consider all park users and modes of transportation. Topography is also a factor that affects park use in Gig Harbor. The elevation difference between the harbor front and other areas of the City changes by as much as 300 feet. Creative routes that meander up this grade can be more desirable for bicyclists and pedestrians. Trails are considered part of the City s transportation system and are addressed in the nonmotorized transportation plan. This plan focuses on off street trails; however the City has developed an extensive network of street improvements that enhance streets for safe and enjoyable public transportation and recreation. Planning Efforts Multiple governmental agencies are responsible for park planning on the Gig Harbor peninsula. Each of these entities have separate plans and regulatory documents that guide planning in and around the City. With multiple and overlapping jurisdictions, plans, and regulations, it is important to distinguish these agencies, as well as their corresponding plans. Understanding the roles of these various planning efforts can help identify how residents are served in the planning area, and establish the planning framework for the remainder of this plan. The three governmental agencies involved with park planning in Gig Harbor include: the City of Gig Harbor, Pierce County, and the Peninsula Metropolitan Park District (PenMet). In addition to these agencies, there are a variety of organizations that provide park and recreation services throughout the Gig Harbor area. These organizations range from the State of Washington, and the Bureau of Land Management, to public agencies such as the Peninsula 7

14 Chapter Park Plan School District, to private providers such as the YMCA, Boys and Girls Club and the Gig Harbor Athletic Club. In total, the County s geographic information system documents more than 900 acres of park, recreation and open space lands on the Gig Harbor Peninsula. It must be recognized that the City s system, is only a small piece of what is available to residents in this area. An inventory of the City s park and recreation facilities are presented in Chapter 2. City of Gig Harbor Park planning in Gig Harbor involves a multi step process. The City s Parks Commission is responsible for reviewing decisions that affect the park system. The Commission provides parkrelated recommendations for consideration by the City Council. City staff is responsible for the day to day planning, development, and maintenance related to the park, recreation and open space system. In order to take advantage of the City staff expertise and reduce costs, smaller park improvements are often designed and/or constructed by city staff. The City owns and maintains 18 parks. Gig Harbor Comprehensive Land Use Plan The City s Comprehensive Land Use Plan is responsible for guiding land use and development within the UGA. Adopted in December 2004 and amended annually, the Plan serves as the basic blueprint for the City's growth for a twenty year time period. In 2014 the City is required to adopt a thorough update to the existing plan. Pierce County Pierce County is also responsible for park planning in Gig Harbor. The County is a park and recreation provider and currently has about 26 developed and undeveloped parks, as well as community centers, public docks and boat landings, golf courses, and trails. Plans that guide park planning in Gig Harbor include the Gig Harbor Peninsula Community Plan, and the Pierce County Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan. Gig Harbor Peninsula Community Plan Adopted in March, 2002, the Gig Harbor Peninsula Community Plan provides a framework for consistent land use standards in the UGA for both Pierce County and the City of Gig Harbor. The Plan calls for directing land use with available services, including parks and open spaces identified by the community. The policies contained within the Natural Environment Element of the Gig Harbor Peninsula Community Plan promote protection of critical areas, encourage preservation of natural vegetation, and address marine shorelines, wetlands, and fish and wildlife habitat. The element also identifies 8

15 2010 Park Plan Chapter 1 preferred sites for open space acquisition, encourages enhancement, preservation, and retention of these areas, and provides strategies to accomplish these goals. 2 Pierce County Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan The Pierce County Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan incorporates key elements from the Community Plan, and creates an integrated approach to address a variety of community preferences and needs that are reflected in the Community Plan. The Plan lays out a County wide vision, as well as goals and objectives that implement the vision. The Plan also includes a component that identifies the Gig Harbor area, focusing on providing regional scale recreation opportunities, regional trails, and freshwater and saltwater access where appropriate. 3 PenMet Park District The Peninsula Metro Parks District (PenMet) was created in May 2004 by a majority vote of Gig Harbor Peninsula residents. The District provides parks and recreational facilities within the unincorporated areas of the Gig Harbor Peninsula. As City annexations have occurred since PenMet Parks was established, there is some overlap between the park district and City boundaries. PenMet currently owns and manages nine parks on the Gig Harbor Peninsula. The District is governed by the PenMet Parks Commission, which is comprised of a board of five commissioners. PenMet Comprehensive Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan In May of 2006, the PenMet Parks District Commission adopted the PenMet Comprehensive Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan. The Plan contains goals, issues and opportunities, as well as a section that inventories parks and recreation facilities in the City of Gig Harbor. 4 Significant Changes Included in this Plan Nationally there has been a movement in Parks and Recreation to move away from national standards for minimum park areas or facilities based on population. While these types of service levels allow a quick assessment of a park system, they have been criticized as a one size fits all approach that can fail to recognize the unique features, history and needs of individual communities. The National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) moved away from universal standards in the mid 1990 s; however they are still commonly referenced as a baseline for park planning. 2 Gig Harbor Peninsula Community Plan, March Pierce County Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan, July PenMet Comprehensive Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan, May

16 Chapter Park Plan The current guidance from the NRPA is to pursue a systems approach to park planning that is based on the local community values. This approach is intended to develop local level of service standards that are needs based, facilities driven and land measured. This approach relies heavily on community involvement and tailoring standards to the needs and desires of the local community. This approach also allows a city such as Gig Harbor to tailor its service levels to reflect the unique opportunities and needs that exist within a community. Past park plans, developed by the City, have utilized a variety of park classifications and levels of service in an attempt to measure the City s progress in meeting local needs. The most recent park plan (2001) attempted to capture the potential of the City s system by utilizing a wide variety of classifications and levels of service wherein any given park may be classified in a variety of categories. This approach, unfortunately, yielded an incredibly complex plan for a small city. In this plan, the City has moved to a less standard system of park classifications and service levels that are tailored to the natural, built and social environment in which this City is located. The classification system is described in detail in Chapter 2; levels of service are addressed in Chapter 4 of this plan. While the system included in this plan represents a significant departure from commonly recognized categories, it captures this community s commitment to its maritime history and deeply held values. 10

17 2010 Park Plan Chapter 2 Inventory and Existing Park and Recreation Resources The first step in the development of a Park Recreation and Open Space Plan is the identification of existing parks and open space, recreation programs and review of challenges and opportunities presently facing the City s park system. Park, Recreation and Open Space Inventory The City of Gig Harbor owns 18 parks ranging in size from 0.10 of an acre to acres. Included in that total are four designated trails that range from 0.2 of a mile to 4 miles in length. Park profiles on each city park facility are included as Appendix A to this plan. The City s park and trail locations map is included as Appendix B. By looking at the existing conditions of the City s park system, open spaces and natural system patterns along with land use patterns, the City can best determine where opportunities are for expansion and connection of the City s parks, trails and open spaces. Recently annexed areas of Gig Harbor are also important in determining those opportunities. The National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) recommends a park classification system of neighborhood parks, community parks and regional parks, based on the size of a park site and the intensity of the developed recreational uses at that site. This system does little to help one understand the City s park system which is built up the rich heritage of the community and natural features. Instead the Gig Harbor park classification system includes: neighborhood parks, waterfront parks, natural parks and trails. Open spaces are designated as open space properties, undeveloped park lands, or other properties. Table 2.1 documents the City s Parks and Open Spaces (on page 12). Neighborhood Parks are developed for both passive and active recreation, and are accessible by walking, biking, or driving. They have support facilities such as restrooms and parking. These parks may typically include athletic fields, sports courts, trails, playgrounds, open space and picnicking facilities. Gig Harbor has three neighborhood parks totaling acres. Waterfront Parks are located on the shoreline and generally provide a mix of water related uses and forms of access to the shoreline. These parks typically include historic structures or uses that are planned for preservation in keeping with the City s maritime heritage. The City actively works to balance uses within these parks to provide a mix of recreation opportunities, historic preservation, and community gathering spaces. Gig Harbor has six waterfront parks totaling 7.69 acres. 11

18 Chapter Park Plan Parks Table 2.1 Gig Harbor Park, Recreation and Open Space Inventory Name of Park (or other ID) Where Park Classification 3303 Vernhardson Street 9702 Crescent Valley Drive NW 9.79 Neighborhood City Park at Crescent Creek Kenneth Leo Marvin Veterans Memorial Park th Street 5.57 Neighborhood Civic Center (includes Greens and Skate Park) 3510 Grandview Street 6.55 Neighborhood Total Neighborhood Parks Austin Estuary* 4009 Harborview Drive 1.38 Waterfront Bogue Viewing Platform 8803 North Harborview Drive 0.10 Waterfront Eddon Boat Park 3805 Harborview Drive 2.89 Waterfront Jerisich Dock 3211 Harborview Drive 0.56 Waterfront Old Ferry Landing (Harborview Street End) 2700 Harborview Drive 0.17 Waterfront Skansie Brothers Park 3207 Harborview Drive 2.59 Waterfront Total Waterfront Parks 7.69 Adam Tallman Park 6626 Wagner Way Natural Donkey Creek Park 8714 North Harborview Drive 1.30 Natural Grandview Forest Park 3488 Grandview Street 8.58 Natural Wilkinson Farm Park 4118 Rosedale Street NW Natural Total Natural Parks Cushman Trail 4 miles Trail Cushman Trailhead at Grandview 3908 Grandview 0.45 acres Trail Cushman Trailhead at Hollycroft 2626 Hollycroft Street 0.60 acres Trail Finholm View Climb 8826 North Harborview Drive (bottom) 8917 Franklin Avenue (top) 0.05 miles 0.32 acres Trail Harborview Trail Harborview and North Harborview Streets 2 miles Trail Stanich Trail Undeveloped portion of Erickson Street 0.2 miles Trail Total Trails (by area) 1.37 Total Trails (by length) 6.25 Total Parks Cushman Trailhead at Borgen 5280 Borgen (not yet constructed) 0.18 Undeveloped BB 16 Mitigation bonus site WEST of Burnham interchange 0.45 Undeveloped Museum (Donkey Creek) Easement Harbor History Museum shoreline area 0.43 Undeveloped Size Other Properties Rushmore Park (outside City Limits) In Plat of Rushmore 1.07 Undeveloped Wheeler Street End Wheeler (undeveloped) 0.08 Undeveloped WWTP PARK/OPEN SPACE 4212 Harborview Drive 5.82 Total Undeveloped Park Lands Undeveloped 8.03 Austin Estuary Tidelands 4009 Harborview Drive 7.07 Open Space BB 16 Wetland Mitigation Site SE corner of Burnham and Borgen Open Space Harbor Hill Open Space Gig Harbor North Area 8.09 Open Space Old Ferry Landing (adjacent bluff) Adjacent to Old Ferry Landing 0.14 Total Open Space Open Space Bogue Visitors Center 3125 Judson Street 0.15 Other Soundview Street End End of Soundview 0.26 Other Total Other Properties * Austin Estuary tidelands are included under open space Total Other Properties TOTAL PARK RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE LANDS

19 2010 Park Plan Chapter 2 Natural Parks preserve critical areas, urban forests and historic sites for future generations and include low impact recreational uses. Such sites are often developed with ancillary uses that are compatible with or support the primary preservation of the sites key features, such as the garden program located at Wilkinson Farm Park or the hatchery program located at Donkey Creek Park. Gig Harbor has four natural parks totaling acres. Trails include both linear trails (measured in miles) and trail support facilities (measured in acres). Trails are generally off street transportation and recreation options either paved or unpaved that connect two points and are often located in a utility or undeveloped road right of way. While many of the City s parks provide access trails that loop through a park site, trails are linear in nature. The City has also designated one on street trail, Harborview Trail, due to the importance of this corridor for recreational use and as a connector between waterfront parks. Gig Harbor has four designated trails totaling 6.25 miles. Additionally these trails are served by three support facilities totaling 1.37 acres. Undeveloped Park Lands are properties acquired or owned by the City for park purposes, which have not yet been developed. These properties are anticipated to be developed into parks in the future and will be move to the appropriate classification as they are developed. The City presently owns six undeveloped park lands totaling 8.03 acres. Open Space Properties are natural lands set aside for preservation of significant natural resources, open space or buffering. These lands are typically characterized by critical areas such as wetlands, slopes and shorelines; significant natural vegetation, shorelines, or other environmentally sensitive areas. This classification is used for preserved lands which are not currently planned for development into parks due to physical constraints or other limitations. The City of Gig Harbor has four designated open space properties totaling acres. Other Properties include lands which do not presently provide park, recreation or open space amenities but are in City ownership and possibly could be redeveloped for such uses in the future. These sites are not presently planned for redevelopment. Two other properties are listed in the City s PROS inventory totaling 0.41 acres. It should be noted that this inventory includes only City of Gig Harbor parks and open spaces; the Gig Harbor Peninsula is served by a variety of park and recreation service providers, and a detailed inventory of all public facilities on the Peninsula is not included in this plan. Information taken from the County s geographic information system indicates more than 900 acres of park, recreation and open space lands exist in public ownership on the Gig Harbor Peninsula. The City s system represents a little over 10% of the public lands set aside on the Peninsula for park, recreation and open space uses. 13

20 Chapter Park Plan Trails and Non Motorized Transportation The City has four designated trails which are identified above under the trail category. These trails are also discussed in more detail in Appendix A and mapped in Appendix B. In addition to the inventoried trails, the City has developed a number of park access trails that provide access to undeveloped or preserved areas in many of the City s parks. Such trails provide low impact recreational access to a variety of natural features located within the City s park system. These trails are noted in the park descriptions provided in Appendix A. These trails are generally looped though the park and may or may not connect to adjacent development or rights of way. The City has also designated a series of walking routes utilizing existing sidewalks with the help of Healthy Communities of Pierce County to encourage the use of City sidewalks for recreational use. Routes are designated with start signs and mileage markers every half mile. These routes include: Green Route (aka Harborview Trail) begins at Harborview Street End and proceeds along Harborview Drive along the Harbor to Vernhardson and then all the way back. 2 miles (one way, 4 miles round trip) Blue Route begins at the Pierce County Library on Point Fosdick and proceeds down Soundview to Harborview, up Pioneer and left on Judson and back up Soundview to Point Fosdick. 5 mile loop. Red Route begins at the Kimball Park and Ride, goes right on Pioneer, left on Stinson, right on Harborview, right on Pioneer, right on Edwards, left on Stinson and back to the Park and Ride. 3 mile loop. While this plan does not attempt to discuss all of the City s sidewalk and other pedestrian facilities, it should be noted that the City s trail system is an integral component to the nonmotorized transportation system. The City has developed an extensive network of sidewalks, bike lines and other facilities to serve non motorized transportation needs throughout the City. The City is working on updates to the existing Transportation element of the Comprehensive Plan which will include a more extensive discussion of non motorized transportation routes within the City. It should also be noted that the City s sidewalks and streetscapes are part of the City s park vision. Streetscape improvements include street trees, planter strips, benches, garbage cans, viewing platforms located in the right of way and even the Welcome to Gig Harbor signs and associated landscaping seen at prominent entry points to the City. These improvements facilitate the pedestrian environment within the City streets and provide open space value to the community. Streetscape improvements throughout the City are funded through the City s parks budget and donations. 14

21 2010 Park Plan Chapter 2 Other Park, Recreation and Open Space Lands In addition to lands inventoried as a part of this planning process, there are a variety of privately owned properties within the City that are preserved for open space and/or recreational uses. These include dedicated private open spaces, utility corridors, critical areas, wildlife corridors and the Current Use Program. Many of these privately owned open spaces are parcel locked and do not connect with other open spaces, however the City encourages the use of trails, other open spaces, and conservation easements to create links between open spaces and critical areas. Preserved private lands are often not accessible to the public; however they do provide public value by protecting habitat and providing visual relief from urban development. Dedicated Private Open Spaces can be found in the form of common areas, platted open space or park tracts maintained by homeowner associations, and conservation easements. Common areas are required for new commercial development as a part of the City s Design Manual Standards to provide recreational amenities to customers and employees and facilitate the pedestrian environment. Many of the City s subdivisions include open space easements or tracts that provide native buffers, mini parks or other forms of open spaces that are often owned and maintained by homeowner associations. Public Shoreline Access is required by the City s Shoreline Master Program for most types of commercial or multi family shoreline development. These requirements have over time yielded a variety of public shoreline viewpoints and access points. Utility Corridors: The major utility corridor that runs through Gig Harbor is owned by Tacoma Power and is host to the Cushman Trail. Utility corridors can provide trail opportunities in developed and developing areas. Critical Areas: The City has an adopted Shoreline Management Act and the Critical Areas Ordinance to protect its marine environments and critical areas. Gig Harbor has nearly three miles of shoreline along Gig Harbor and Henderson Bays (nearly eight miles when including the UGA) and has a variety of creeks, wetlands and other sensitive areas. The City seeks to improve water quality, enhance recreational opportunities, and improve the health of fish and wildlife through strict enforcement of regulations. Wildlife Corridors are paths in which wildlife move in search of food, water and territory. It is important that the City maintain these corridors as the City grows and develops. Environmentally sensitive areas and land with low intensity human use are generally considered to be wildlife corridors. Current Use Program is offered by Pierce County as a tax relief program. This program encourages the managed production of natural resources and the retention of undeveloped land. Participation in this program reduces the owner s property tax from 50 to 90 percent 15

22 Chapter Park Plan based on the parcel s value to the environment and the public. Currently acres of land (5 tax parcels) are designated as open space within City limits. Recreation Programs The City of Gig Harbor does not directly provide traditional recreation services such as youth sports and senior services. Instead, other local organizations, mostly non profit, provide these programs. Peninsula Athletic Association (PAA), for example, provides a variety of youth sports for children (t ball, baseball, softball, basketball, and soccer). PAA serves the Gig Harbor and Key Peninsulas, and its emphasis is on participation regardless of skill level. In addition, several select sports clubs exist on the Gig Harbor Peninsula and often serve as developmental programs for high school sports. Other organizations, such as the YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club, also provide recreational services to the residents of the Peninsula. In 2008, the City contributed $250,000 to the YMCA to assist in the capital costs of the YMCA s facilities. In return, Gig Harbor residents can utilize the YMCA facilities once per quarter for the next twenty years. In 2009 the City successfully applied for a $730,000 federal HUD appropriation to assist the Gig Harbor Boys & Girls Club in its capital and ongoing programming costs. As a match to this grant, the City is planning to contribute $100,000 in 2010 and $150,000 in 2011 to the Boys & Girls Club. The Boys & Girls Club also provides a center and programs for Peninsula area senior citizens. Recreational classes, such as art and crafts, theatre, dance, and music, are provided by a variety of organizations on the Peninsula. In prior years, the City has contributed funds for local art and performing arts programs; future funding will depend on budget availability and City Council priorities. The City currently has an ongoing agreement with PenMet Parks whereby PenMet provides a limited number of recreational classes for youth (art, for example); in return, the City provides the classroom space in the Civic Center free of charge as a location for their recreational classes. Another example of the City partnering with local organizations for recreation services is its agreement with Gig Harbor BoatShop. This non profit organization leases the City owned boatyard building at Eddon Boat Park for a nominal amount in exchange for providing maritime heritage education and boat building classes to the public. In certain limited and infrequent circumstances, the City directly runs recreational events. Examples include the summer concerts and movies in the parks, as well as the Chum Festival in the fall. Also in limited circumstances, the City provides support to other organizations that run events, including the Chamber run Maritime Gig Festival in June and the Gig Harbor Historic 16

23 2010 Park Plan Chapter 2 Waterfront Association s Chalk the Walk event in the spring. Other examples include the Street Scramble and Turkey Run. In summary, recreational programs are not directly run by the City and are instead provided by non profit organizations that serve not only the citizens of the City, but also the citizens and visitors to the peninsula at large. As a result, the City is not in the recreation business, but does partner with certain organizations to leverage recreational opportunities for the City and the Gig Harbor Peninsula. Cultural Programs Eddon Boat Building After the City completed the restoration of the historic Eddon Boat Building in 2009, the Gig Harbor BoatShop (GHB), a non profit organization dedicated to preserving traditional shipwright skills, opened for business. In partnership with the city, GHB provides an opportunity for the public to interact with instructors, watch boatbuilding in action and tour the building in exchange for an annual $1 lease. This partnership preserves traditional boatbuilding methods for future generations. Harbor History Museum The non profit facility, located in downtown Gig Harbor, also provides educational programming exhibits for residents and visitors. This organization is funded primarily through grants, ticket sales and private donations. The Harbor History Museum is anticipated to open at their new waterfront location in fall of Friends of Wilkinson Farm After the 1915 barn was added to the Washington State list of historic barns, a group of volunteers formed to inventory the objects and farm equipment that are stored inside. The group cleaned, photographed, documented and inventoried the contents of the barn. Wilkinson Farm Garden In 2008, volunteers began plowing the same garden historically used by the Wilkinson family to raise corn, tomatoes and squash in the early 1900 s. Since then and in partnership with Healthy Communities of Pierce County, a local group of community volunteers plant, water and grow vegetables, donating the harvest to area food banks in the fall. Art Programs In 2001, the City created the Gig Harbor Arts Commission, a nine member board appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by a vote of the Council. The Commission is authorized to encourage, conduct, sponsor or co sponsor public programs to further the development and public awareness of fine arts and performing arts in our community. Mission: The City of Gig Harbor Arts Commission's goal is to enhance the quality of life by encouraging the fine and performing arts reflecting the community's vision and culture. The Commission makes recommendations to the Mayor and City Council for cultural and artistic endeavors and projects related to the City s art programs, which include: 17

24 Chapter Park Plan Public Art Collection An inventory of artwork owned by the city located in City Hall or in public right of ways and parks (See Appendix A for details on art installed within City Parks). Public Art Program An annual budget prepared by the Gig Harbor Art Commission identifies and prioritizes public art acquisition projects. The artwork may be decorative, functional, siteintegrated or freestanding for permanent or temporary display in a public setting. Public art placements may be proposed by the Commission, city departments or local organizations. The Commission facilitates artist selection and presents the project to City Council for final approval. Art Grants Program A special fund to provide grant awards to individuals and art organizations that sponsor a variety of high quality arts events to benefit the general public within the and zip codes of Gig Harbor. Organizations may be large or small, professional or community based groups that provide concerts, theater productions, visual art exhibits, art festivals, or other arts related events that benefit the Gig Harbor community. This program is currently suspended due to a lack of funding; it is anticipated to be re evaluated for funding in the 2011 budget cycle. Outdoor Gallery Program A recurring year long exhibit of loaned artwork to showcase sculpture displayed on pedestals and located throughout the city. Exhibited work may be purchased by the city or the community at large. The City is in the process of establishing this program and anticipates that art will be installed under this program starting in Community Events Cultural tourism has become an important element in Gig Harbor s recreational environment adding to the vitality of the area. Local history, the arts, and cultural resources regularly blend together to provide annual events and activities sponsored by local art galleries, a the new history museum, a multi plex cinema theater, civic orchestras, youth orchestras, performing theater organizations, an art league, the city s gallery wall, and area parks. They include: Thursday Artwalk a monthly gallery sponsored celebration of art Gig Harbor Film Festival workshops, film reviews and events Maritime Gig Festival a weekend of music, events, shows, booths and food Blessing of the Fleet seasonal tradition with the local commercial fishing fleet Paradise Theatre Performances Encore Theater Performances Donkey Creek Chum Festival celebrating the area s historic dependence on salmon Gallery Hall at the Civic Center featuring local wall art and photography 18

25 2010 Park Plan Chapter 2 Studio Tour annual self guided tour of working artists studios Drawing You In Summer Program plein air event with live models at Skansie Park Salmon Enchanted Evening Auction funds Hands on Art programs in public schools NetShed Walk Map featuring 15 historic structures along Harborview Drive Gig Harbor Historic Waterfront Association using the Main Street approach to preserve the downtown Opportunities and Challenges The City has acquired a number of park land properties in recent years, several of which have yet to be developed or are not fully developed. These acquisitions provide a significant opportunity for the City to add even more recreational value to its residents and visitors. The City may choose to take either an incremental approach to developing these properties, or it may consider more comprehensive improvements. The City will have these discussions as funding and other opportunities (partnerships, trades, etc.) become available. Depending on the park, the City does not necessarily need to wait until it has a fully completed park plan before it makes incremental improvements to a particular park. Given a park s features and underlying purpose and function, certain improvements make sense regardless. Examples include building a viewing platform over a creek bed, constructing a trail around a pond, or adding a play structure to an existing play area. However, where park plans have not been developed there may be a need to acquire surveys, critical area reports or other technical data about a given park site to facilitate the City s ability to make incremental site improvements. The City has made significant progress in making its parks more accessible over the years. Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should continue as a top priority when the City develops its parks. Although achieving an even higher level of accessibility than the ADA requires is a praiseworthy goal, it needs to be balanced with the competing needs and limited resources of the City. The City should pursue grants for highly accessible park improvements, and the City should also consider installing highly accessible park improvements in key areas where the public will receive the most value and where neighboring jurisdictions aren t providing similar assets in close proximity. As the population of the City grows through annexations and development, it will behoove the City to keep up and acquire additional park and open space properties. The City should strive to have developers set aside and participate in the development of additional park land for public use and enjoyment. Opportunities for wildlife corridors should also be considered in developing areas to facilitate retention of open space and provide meaningful corridors for wildlife. Development agreements can be a method to foster creative partnerships and contributions towards dedicating and improving park land. In addition, continued partnerships 19

26 Chapter Park Plan with neighboring jurisdictions (Pierce County and PenMet Parks, for example) is another way for the City to leverage resources in growing its park system. 20

27 2010 Park Plan Chapter 3 Public Involvement The City s park system has evolved significantly since the writing and adoption of the 2001 Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan (2001 Plan). The City has added more than 35 acres of park and open space land to the system since the writing of the 2001 plan. At present the City park system includes 18 developed park sites, and 12 additional properties intended for park or open space uses, totaling acres of land. In 2009 alone, the City opened two new parks (Veterans Memorial and Eddon Boat) and dedicated, in cooperation with Pierce County, a 2.5 mile expansion of the Cushman Trail. Any long range planning document, such as a park plan, needs to be periodically reevaluated to determine if it still reflects the goals and priorities of the City and to address changes since the last plan. The expansion of the City s park system adds to the need for such review. The involvement of the public in such reevaluation is essential to the process. The City started gathering public input on the park, recreation and open space system in 2008 and will continue to engage the public through the remaining stages of plan writing and adoption. The development of this update to the Park, Recreation and Open Space plan has involved community intercept interviews, one public workshop, major contributions by the Gig Harbor Parks Commission, a review of the City of Gig Harbor s 2008 National Citizen Survey, staff involvement, citizen s, and public comment. Parks Commission In 2005, the City formally established the Parks Commission. This commission advises and makes recommendations to the Mayor and City Council regarding the development and renovation of parks, trails, and other recreation facilities. The Commission also makes recommendations concerning policy and implementation of plans and programs related to the City park, recreation and open space system (GHMC ). The volunteers serving on the Parks Commission individually contribute valuable insight into the parks system from a variety of user perspectives and collectively provide a public forum for discussion of park, recreation and open space issues affecting the City s system. The commission played a major role in development of the 2010 plan update. City of Gig Harbor 2008, National Citizen Survey The 2008 National Citizen Survey assesses public perceptions on a variety of topics including park, recreation and open spaces. While this type of survey information is ideally compared to 21

28 Chapter Park Plan results in prior years within the same community, this is the first time the City utilized the National Citizen Survey, so a comparison to prior years is not available. The results of the survey are generally expressed by reporting the number of excellent and good responses followed by a benchmark comparison that reflects how the City is doing in relation to other communities where this survey has been conducted. The benchmark comparison is helpful in understanding how this community perceives itself, compared to average resident perceptions across America, but may not reflect the level of service this community desires. The survey indicates 61% of the respondents rated the amount of recreational opportunities in the community as good or excellent (favorably), similar to the benchmark. Additionally, 91% of the respondents indicated they had visited a city or neighborhood park within the last year. City parks were rated favorably by 85% of those taking the survey which is above the benchmark. These results indicate that the City s park system is generally perceived by City residents more favorably than is typically reported in other communities. Opportunities to attend cultural activities however were responded to favorably by only 44% of respondents, which is below the benchmark. This indicates that additional efforts to support and promote cultural activities are desired in the community and may indicate a need for more non profit and/or for profit entities to step up and provide these services. Historic preservation, specifically, was the subject of one of the policy questions which asked How important, if at all, is historic preservation to maintaining the character of this community? Historic preservation was considered essential or very important to maintaining the City s character by 76% of respondents. The environment was rated favorably by 85% of respondents, above the benchmark. However, the preservation of natural areas was responded to favorably by only 51% of the respondents, below the benchmark. The policy question section asked a related question, How important, if at all, is the preservation of trees to maintain the character of this community? Trees were considered essential or very important to maintaining the City s character by 81% of the respondents. These findings indicate that perhaps more emphasis should be placed on preserving both trees, and natural open spaces. Community Intercept Interviews Intercept events are a great way to begin the park planning process by simply speaking with residents and visitors at popular community events. This update process included two events in August of 2008, a concert and the farmer s market, both held at Skansie Brothers Park. In total, the intercept team interacted with approximately 40 residents and visitors. 22

29 2010 Park Plan Chapter 3 Throughout both intercept events some recurring themes surfaced that related to the City s park system. These are outlined below and organized into six categories: popular parks, park system strengths, needs, issues and opportunities, and other observations. Popular Parks Although both intercept events occurred at Skansie Brothers and Jerisich Dock Parks, these two parks were also the most popular among those questioned. Their popularity is due to the number of community events that are offered, as well as their proximity to downtown, views and water access. Other popular parks included Donkey Creek Park for movies in the park, and Crescent Creek Park, especially the picnic structure and active facilities. Strengths The intercept events generated several common themes associated with park system strengths. Without question, almost everyone felt that the waterfront was the best feature of the City. People felt that access to the water and public boat moorage adjacent to downtown are strengths for the City. Other common strengths included the City s small town feel, views, downtown, community events, existing City park land and the City s urban forest. Needs The intercept events also generated input related to park needs. The most common responses were a need for additional moorage and/or another public pier. Several people felt that the existing public pier at Jerisich Dock is crowded. Some people noted that adding an additional segment to the existing dock or constructing a new dock adjacent to the Skansie net shed would benefit the City s park system. Another common need expressed during the intercept events was programming for seniors and families. Some people felt that Gig Harbor has a large percentage of retirees and families and not enough programs that accommodate them. With evidence of several dogs present at the intercept events, people talked about the need for an off leash dog park. Among the youth, several respondents wanted a water park facility or spray ground. Other common ideas heard during the intercept events included more winter activities, a continuous walkway along the waterfront, safer bicycling facilities, wider sidewalks and more access to the water. It is also important to note that several people indicated that the City s park system is great the way it is with no big changes needed. Issues Some issues surfaced from the intercept events including lack of public parking and a general concern with the City s growth. Several event goers pointed to the high amount of traffic in front of Skansie Brothers and Jerisich Dock Parks. They noted that almost all of the City s parks lack sufficient off street parking and on street parking is either not available or presents a safety issue. As stated previously, a majority of people felt that Gig Harbor s small town feel is 23

30 Chapter Park Plan one of its biggest attributes. As such, there is a general concern over its growth and the future of its park system. Opportunities The intercept events generated some common themes related to park opportunities. People felt that the Skansie net shed has great potential, possibly as a historical fishing museum. Overall, people expressed pride in the City s fishing and boat building heritage and feel strongly that this history should be preserved. Harborview Drive, in addition to being an important road, was also suggested as an additional park space. The idea of closing the road more regularly for events was mentioned as was some way to help people move from one end of the waterfront to the other, such as a shuttle, or bicycle taxi. Public Workshop In addition to their regular monthly meetings and ongoing public input, the Parks Commission held a public workshop in June of 2009 to gather public input specifically on the plan update and the needs of the park system. The workshop attendees identified positives and negatives associated with the park system as well as providing comments on what they would like to see the park system look like in the future. The main themes of the comments presented at that workshop included developing or expanding partnerships with other organizations, fully developing existing park sites, developing additional parks in outlying areas of the City, environmental stewardship, providing more trail connections and increasing the number of events in the parks. Expanding partnerships was favorably discussed by workshop attendees as a means of leveraging City resources and diversifying the recreation opportunities within the City park system. A member of the PenMet Foundation identified that their organization would like to develop a relationship with the City and provide fundraising support for park improvements. The PenMet Foundation has been central in helping to fund the PenMet Park district s park development plans and could provide a valuable source of funding for future park improvements. Another attendee identified a desire to expand the City s relationship with Healthy Communities to expand community garden activities at Wilkinson Park. Several attendees discussed the need for more parks in outlying areas of the City as most of the City s park facilities are located east of SR 16 in older areas of the City. Specifically identified were adding more pocket parks developed with restrooms and playgrounds to serve residential areas of the City. Attendees commented that they would like to see safety incorporated into park design, envisioning parks that allow one to see from one end of the park to the other allowing parents to keep their children in view as they play throughout the park. 24

31 2010 Park Plan Chapter 3 Trails connections were also desired in residential areas. Workshop attendees expanded on the concept of trail connectivity with a vision of using the Cushman Trail as the spine of the City s trail system. The idea being that by connecting neighborhoods to the Cushman Trail, which eventually will run the north south distance of the City, a comprehensive system of trails could be developed facilitating non motorized transportation and recreational use. One idea to increase use of existing on and off street pedestrian facilities was to place maps in all parks identifying trails and other park facilities within walking distance of the park. Attendees also expressed a desire to improve the park system s environmental consciousness though expansion of recycling opportunities and management of critical areas. While recycling containers have been added in the last year at many park locations, the attendees spoke of a desire to have a green park system that enhances and supports the natural features within and near parks. Comments have also been received from members of the Key Peninsula Gig Harbor & Islands Watershed Council (KGI Watershed Council) identifying ways to enhance the natural functions and habitat of the Wilkinson pond. The accessibility of park facilities was one area identified as being inadequately addressed in the present system. Some attendees commented that striving for American Disabilities Act compliance was not enough and the City should strive to do more to improve the accessibility of the system. Trail and playground accessibility were identified in particular. A boundless play structure designed to facilitate the ability of children of all ability levels to play together was identified as a desired improvement. Trails were acknowledged as a challenge given the topography in many areas, but still should be a consideration in trail development. Events within the park system were also discussed by many workshop attendees. Much support was voiced for existing events including the Summer Sounds concert series and the Street Scramble. The Street Scramble in particular was identified as an event that encouraged people to explore and discover hidden gems not only in the park system but throughout the downtown. Attendees discussed a desire for more and larger events as well, although site limitations at Skansie Park were noted as a constraining factor. One idea was a party for the parks including activities (bands) at variety of park locations to take advantage of the number of parks within walking distance in the downtown area. The subject of off street parking to serve downtown area parks and other uses was one that some attendees voiced a need for, while others spoke against more parking because they felt that it encouraged walking both to parks and throughout the downtown area. 25

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33 2010 Park Plan Chapter 4 Demand and Need Analysis Summary The demand and need for Gig Harbor s Park, Recreation and Open Space over the next twenty years was determined using a variety of methods. It is important to recognize the City s weaknesses in their park system, but equally important to figure out how to approach user needs and facility demands. These needs are affected by a variety of issues and priorities, based on available land, obtainable grants, future funding, and City policies. During the public involvement portion of this plan, the City heard from the citizens on their ideas about the needs of the park system. Personal observations and workshop discussions are vital and invaluable when it comes to planning in a small community such as Gig Harbor. The comments from the public involvement portion are detailed in chapter three of this plan. Several key themes emerged from the public involvement: Trail development Expanding partnerships to leverage City funds Pursuing the acquisition of additional land in developing areas Improving public access to natural features including shoreline and critical areas Population Projections As discussed in the introduction, the City anticipates a 2030 population of 10,500 residents. While Park, Recreation and Open Space plans generally have a six year life span, the City has utilized a twenty year horizon to assure that the City is prepared to address the needs of an expanding population. The 2030 population projection is used in the level of service discussion that follows, to calculate anticipated deficiencies in the system over time. Park Level of Service Standards Level of service (LOS) standards analysis is the traditional method of measuring progress toward meeting park needs and objectives. Such standards are typically expressed as the number of acres per 1000 residents. Such standards are useful for comparing park systems, and measuring progress toward an identified goal. The City adopted two level of service standards into the Comprehensive Plan in These identify adopted levels of service for open space and active recreation. The Comprehensive Plan indicates these levels of service were taken from the 2001 Park Plan, but a review of the 2001 Park Plan does not reveal levels of service that match those adopted into the City s Comprehensive Plan. The 2001 Plan does include an extensive discussion of levels of service that identify more than 50 levels of service for both land and facilities, but none that appear to correlate directly to the adopted levels included in the Comprehensive Plan. This discrepancy 27

34 Chapter Park Plan makes it very difficult to understand the intent of these levels of service or the methods used to calculate these numbers. Given that this Park Plan includes a substantially revised park classification system, new levels of service should be adopted that reflect the revised classification system. The following table documents existing levels of service (ELOS) and proposed levels of service (PLOS). The PLOS is the result of a review of various standards from sources such as the NRPA, Gig Harbor Park Commission, and public input. Table 4.1 Existing and Proposed Level of Service Standards 2010 Existing 2030 Planned 2030 Additional Park Type Existing Acres Level of Service NRPA Standard Level of Service Area Needed Neighborhood Parks acres Waterfront Parks N/A Natural Parks N/A Total Parks N/A Trails (in miles) miles Neighborhood parks within the City s system are generally the park sites developed for active recreational uses including informal play fields, playgrounds and sport courts. For this reason the City has set a PLOS for neighborhood parks that is relatively high compared to the NRPA recommendation for neighborhood parks. Waterfront parks are central to the City s vision for the future of the park system and maintaining connection to the City s historic maritime character, for this reason a level of service has been adopted to maintain (approximately) the current level of service as the population grows. It is anticipated that the City may need to pursue acquisition of waterfront sites before the population growth occurs, to take advantage of acquisition opportunities and to purchase before waterfront becomes even more cost prohibitive to acquire. Natural Parks provide low impact recreation opportunities, habitat for wildlife, and provide visual relief from urban development, for this reason the City seeks to maintain the existing level of service for this type of park as population increases. The total park category is included to indicate a general PLOS for all types of park lands based on the City s population. This category is inclusive of the three types of parks indicated above and is intended to support expansion of the City s system to minimize impacts of increased population. 28

35 2010 Park Plan Chapter 4 The trails category is included to support trail development throughout the City. The City has set a relatively high goal for trail expansions to reflect the importance of trails to this community. It should be noted that these levels of service have been developed based on anticipated growth within the City s existing City limits. Annexation areas should be reviewed for area needs and deficiencies prior to annexation. It may not be appropriate to simply apply the levels of service established in this chapter to a proposed annexation area to determine impact to the City s park and open space system given the overlap in service area and tax boundaries between the City and PenMet that occurs when areas are annexed into the City. 29

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37 2010 Park Plan Chapter 5 Vision, Goals and Policies Gig Harbor s Vision: To develop a quintessential system of parks, trails and open spaces that enhance the City s history, environmental features, and sense of place to encourage both active and passive forms of recreation popular on the peninsula. Goals and Policies 1. Open Space Preservation and Wildlife Resources Goal: Develop a high quality, diversified park system that preserves and enhances significant environmental resources and features. Incorporate unique ecological features and resources to protect threatened species, preserve habitat, and retain migration corridors that are unique and important to local wildlife. a. Policy: Acquire and preserve especially sensitive or unique habitat sites that support threatened or endangered species and urban wildlife habitat. b. Policy: Identify and conserve critical wildlife habitat including nesting sites, foraging areas, and migration corridors within or adjacent to natural areas, open spaces, and the developed urban areas. 2. Identify Urban Growth Preserves and Set asides Goal: Coordinate with other public and private agencies, and with private landowners to set aside land and resources necessary to provide high quality, convenient park and recreational facilities before the most suitable sites are lost to development. a. Policy: Continue coordination with PenMet and other agencies on meeting park, recreation, and open space needs through the City and urban growth area to assure that needs are met and services are not duplicated. b. Policy: Identify and set aside lands needed to meet long term demand for parks, recreation and open space in developing areas such as the wooded, undeveloped, and sensitive lands. c. Policy: Prior to annexation of urban growth areas review park, recreation, and open space needs to determine potential impacts to adopted levels of service. Such impacts shall be considered when determining the impacts of a potential annexation. 31

38 Chapter Park Plan 3. Developing Healthy Communities Goal: Through the City s permit process, require, when possible, new development to support and enhance the pedestrian environment to promote healthy lifestyles and active commercial areas. a. Policy: Require pedestrian friendly design features (including but not limited to placement of new buildings, on site walkways, and pedestrian scale site features) on new developments to promote active healthy lifestyles within the community. b. Policy: Require non residential developments to provide common areas (such as town squares, plazas, or pocket parks) proportional to size of the development and the impact on existing park infrastructure to serve the recreational needs of employees and customers. Encourage these spaces to be used as the focus of commercial and civic buildings. 4. Park Design Standards Goal: Design and develop facilities that are accessible, safe, and easy to maintain, with life cycle features that account for long term costs and benefits. General a. Policy: Create park plans for the potential development and re development of City park properties. b. Policy: Incorporate features and amenities into parks that fit the local context; contribute to environmental sustainability; and are accessible, safe, and easy to maintain for the long term. c. Policy: Provide maps at the City s larger parks, documenting park and trail opportunities in the vicinity of the park. d. Policy: Develop and maintain parks consistent with local, state and federal environmental regulations. Accessibility e. Policy: Design park and recreation facilities to be accessible in accordance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA). Maintenance f. Policy: Design and develop facilities that are of low maintenance and high capacity design to reduce overall facility maintenance and operation requirements and costs. g. Policy: Where appropriate, use low maintenance materials, settings or other value engineering considerations that reduce care and security requirements, and retain natural conditions and experiences. 32

39 2010 Park Plan Chapter 5 Security and Safety h. Policy: Implement design and development standards that will improve park facility safety and implement security features for park users, department personnel, and the public at large. i. Policy: Continue to develop and implement safety standards, procedures, and programs that will provide proper training and awareness for department personnel. j. Policy: Define and enforce rules and regulations concerning park activities and operations that will protect user groups, department personnel, and the general publicat large. k. Policy: Where appropriate, use adopt a park programs, neighborhood park watches, park police patrols, and other innovative programs that will increase safety and security awareness and visibility. 5. Trail and Corridor Access Systems Goal: Develop a high quality system of multipurpose park trails and corridors that provide alternative transportation options and low impact recreational opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities in coordination with the City s non motorized transportation plan. Trail Systems a. Policy: Create a comprehensive system of multipurpose off road trails using the Cushman Trail as the backbone of the system. Trails should be developed to provide access to significant environmental features, public facilities, neighborhoods and businesses districts to promote physical activity and a health conscious community. b. Policy: Leveraging the resources of WSDOT, private developers and other agencies, construct pedestrian facilities that cross SR 16 and other highways (ex: pedestrian overpass at BB16). c. Policy: Trails should be connected to nearby sidewalk facilities wherever feasible to facilitate the use of the off street trail systems for non motorized transportation and recreation. Where sidewalks are an integrated component of a trail system, larger sidewalks may be needed. d. Policy: Work with PenMet Parks, Pierce County, Tacoma, the Washington State Department of Transportation, and other appropriate jurisdictions to link and extend Gig Harbor trails to other regional trail facilities. e. Policy: Extend trails through natural area corridors like the Crescent and Donkey (North) Creek corridors, and Wollochet Drive wetlands within the City that will provide a high quality, diverse sampling of area environmental resources, in balance with habitat protection. Trail Development and Amenities f. Policy: Develop trails consistent with the park development goals and policies where applicable. 33

40 Chapter Park Plan 34 g. Policy: Furnish trail systems with appropriate supporting trailhead improvements that may include interpretive and directory signage systems, rest stops, drinking fountains, restrooms, parking and loading areas, water and other services. h. Policy: Where appropriate, locate trailheads at or in conjunction with park sites, schools, and other community facilities to increase local area access to the trail system and reduce duplication of supporting improvements. i. Policy: Develop trail improvements of a design and development standard that is easy to maintain and access by maintenance, security, and other appropriate personnel, equipment, and vehicles. j. Policy: Develop trail accessibility standards to provide for accessible trails where possible and support a diversity of non motorized uses. Such standards should not prohibit construction of trails where grade or corridor width will not allow full accessibility or trail widths for all uses. k. Policy: Develop and implement a system of signs to mark trails and non motorized routes that coordinates with the City s streetscape and furniture standards. Such signage should be developed in accordance with the City s adopted way finding plan. 6. Recreational Facilities Goal: Develop a quality, diversified recreation system that provides for all age and interest groups. Waterfront Access and Facilities a. Policy: Cooperate with Pierce County, PenMet, the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife, and other public and private agencies to acquire and preserve additional shoreline access for waterfront fishing, wading, swimming, viewing and other related recreational activities and pursuits, recognizing the rights of property owners in the vicinity of such sites. b. Policy: Develop and/or encourage a mixture of watercraft access opportunities including canoe, kayak, sailboard, and other nonpower boating activities, especially on Gig Harbor Bay and along the Puget Sound shoreline. Athletic Facilities c. Policy: Concentrate on field and court activities like soccer, football, baseball, basketball, tennis, pickleball and volleyball that provide for the largest number of participants. d. Policy: Encourage, leverage the development, or develop, where appropriate, a select number of facilities that provide a quality playing environment, possibly in conjunction with PenMet Parks, Pierce County, Peninsula School District, and other public or private agencies. Such facilities should be developed to meet the requirements for all age groups, skill levels, and recreational interests where possible. Indoor Facilities e. Policy: Facilitate the continued development by the Peninsula School District and other organizations, of special meeting, assembly, eating, health, cultural, and other

41 2010 Park Plan Chapter 5 community facilities that provide general support to school age populations and the community at large at elementary, middle, and high schools within the City, urban growth area and the greater peninsula. 7. Special Purpose Facilities Goal: Encourage the development of quality facilities that meet the interests of all segments of the community. a. Policy: Where appropriate and economically feasible (self supporting), encourage other organizations to develop and operate specialized and special interest recreational or cultural facilities like theater, golf and water parks for these interests in the general population. b. Policy: Where appropriate, facilitate and encourage joint planning and operating programs with other public and private agencies to determine and provide for special activities like golf, performing arts, water parks, and camping on an area wide basis. 8. Recreational Programs Goal: Coordinate with and encourage the efforts of other agencies and non profit recreational providers to assure that the recreational needs of the Gig Harbor residents are met. a. Policy: Facilitate and encourage other organizations to provide arts and crafts, classroom instruction in music and dance, physical conditioning and health care, meeting facilities, daycare, latch key, and other program activities for all cultural, age, physical and mental capability, and income groups in the community. b. Policy: Endorse the efforts of local non profit organizations to provide soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, tennis, pickleball, and other instruction and participatory programs for all age, skill level, and income groups in the community. c. Policy: Assist historical and cultural societies to develop and display artifacts, reports, and exhibits; and conduct lectures, classes, and other programs that document and develop awareness of Gig Harbor's heritage. 9. Historic Resources Goal: Develop a high quality, diversified park system that preserves significant historic opportunity areas and features. a. Policy: Identify, preserve, and enhance Gig Harbor's multicultural heritage, human history of the City and its neighborhoods, traditions, and cultural features including historic sites, buildings, artworks, objects, views, and monuments. b. Policy: Identify and incorporate significant historic and cultural lands, sites, artifacts, and facilities into the park system to preserve these interests and provide a balanced social experience. c. Policy: Register City owned parks, structures and open space properties that are eligible for the Gig Harbor Register of Historic Places and utilize the City s Certified Local Government (CLG) board to determine appropriate preservation methods and traditional uses. 35

42 Chapter Park Plan d. Policy: Encourage the Harbor History Museum, Gig Harbor BoatShop, Gig Harbor Fishermen s Civic Club and others to make cultural programs and activities more accessible to the public. e. Policy: Encourage the owners of historic sites and structures to provide increased public access. f. Policy: Consider adopting incentives for properties listed on the City s Historic Register to encourage retention of and remove obstacles to maintaining such structures as properties are re developed, including adaptive re use provisions. 10. Cultural Arts Programs and Resources Goal: Encourage fine and performing arts partnerships and programs that reflect the community's vision and culture. a. Policy: Identify public art opportunities that highlight the cultural and historical connections within our community through local history, environmental systems, cultural traditions, and visual symbols. b. Policy: Use public art to create visible landmarks and artistic points of reference to reinforce Gig Harbor s identity, unique culture and character. c. Policy: Acquire works of art through a variety of methods including commissioned works, temporary works, direct purchases, and community projects. d. Policy: In cooperation with area artists and cultural organizations, utilize the city s website as a clearinghouse for arts information and resource sharing. 11. Financial Resources and Coordination Goal: Create effective and efficient methods of acquiring, developing, operating and maintaining facilities and programs that accurately distribute costs and benefits to the general public and private development. Finance a. Policy: Investigate available methods, such as growth impact fees, land set a side or feein lieu of donation ordinances, and interlocal agreements, for the financing of facility development, maintenance, and operating needs in order to reduce costs, retain financial flexibility, match user benefits and interests, and increase facility services. b. Policy: Consider joint ventures with other public and private agencies such as PenMet Parks, Pierce County, Peninsula School District, regional, state, federal, and other public and private agencies including for profit concessionaires, where feasible and desirable. Public and Private Resource Coordination c. Policy: Cooperate with PenMet Parks, Pierce County, Peninsula School District, and other public and private agencies to avoid duplication, improve facility quality and availability, reduce costs, and represent resident area interests through joint planning and development efforts. 36

43 2010 Park Plan Chapter 5 Cost/Benefit Assessment d. Policy: Define existing and proposed land and facility levels of service (ELOS/PLOS) that differentiate requirements due to population growth impacts versus improved facility standards, neighborhood versus community nexus of benefit, city versus the combination of city, county, school, and other provider agency efforts in order to effectively plan and program park and recreation needs within the existing city and urban growth area boundaries. e. Policy: Create effective and efficient methods of acquiring, developing, operating, and maintaining park and recreational facilities in manners that accurately distribute costs and benefits to public and private user interests including the application of growth impact fees where new developments impact existing level of service (ELOS) standards. 12. Human Resources Goal: Develop, train, and support a professional parks staff that effectively serves the community in the realization of the above listed goals and policies. a. Policy: Continue to train a diverse, well trained work force that is motivated to achieve department and citywide goals. b. Policy: Encourage teamwork through communications, creativity, positive image, risk taking, sharing of resources, and cooperation toward common goals. c. Policy: Where appropriate, provide staff with education, training, and modern equipment and supplies to increase personal productivity, efficiency, and pride. 37

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45 2010 Park Plan Chapter 6 Acquisition and Development Plan Opportunities to acquire lands and develop facilities that meet the goals and objectives of this plan are numerous and ongoing. Sometimes the City will plan for a project, while at other times projects not on the list become feasible. There are a variety of ways land can be developed, and the City has been successful in using a variety of methods over past years to fund acquisitions and development. This chapter includes alternatives for the future acquisition and development of parks, facilities and open spaces in Gig Harbor. This plan was put together based on desires derived from public involvement, needs analysis and staff input. Past Park Funding for Capital Improvements Table 6.1 documents the City s park staffing levels, total budget and amounts spent on developing new park facilities (includes acquisitions) over the last ten years. Table 6.1 Year Parks Staff Total Budget New Facilities Percent , ,585 67% ,191,410 1,994,269 91% ,573,528 3,282,614 92% ,080, ,994 72% , ,627 54% , ,776 23% , ,457 30% ,109, ,662 36% ,548,720 5,610,800 86% 2009* ,067,520 2,346,420 76% 2010* , ,200 50% Total n/a $21,312,101 $16,053,404 75% * Budgeted amounts. Since 2000, Gig Harbor has invested $16,053,404 or 75% of all park, recreation, and open space expenditures in new facility acquisition and development the remainder going for operations, maintenance, repair, staff, equipment, and contract services. Since the 2001 Park Plan was developed, the City has acquired more than 35 acres for park, recreation and open space purposes. Major acquisitions and development projects funded since the 2001 Park Plan include: Skansie Brothers Park Adam Tallman Park 39

46 Chapter Park Plan Wilkinson Farm Park Austin Estuary Eddon Boat Park Kenneth Leo Marvin Veterans Memorial Park Expansions to Crescent Creek Park BMX Track/Sand Volleyball Courts Cushman Trail Extension to 96 th Street (in cooperation with Pierce County) The City has utilized a number of funding mechanisms to fund the expansion of and improvements to the park system. The City has been particularly successful in acquiring grants in recent years. Since 2006 the City has received over 2.9 million in grant dollars to fund a variety of park, recreation and open space projects. The City has also worked to leverage City funds through collaborative partnerships with public and private entities to minimize the use of the City s General Fund for park improvements. The City has also employed the use of park impact fees and development agreements to assure that new development does not adversely impact the City s park service levels. In one notable case, the City utilized a General Obligation Bond, approved by the voters, to allow the City to save the Eddon Boatyard. The City s Comprehensive Plan addresses a variety of funding options for capital facilities in Chapter 12, which may be employed to assist the City in funding the growth of the park, recreation and open space system. Given the current economy, it is anticipated that the City will need to continue pursuing grants, developing partnerships and utilizing local volunteers to leverage City funds. Capital Improvement Program and 20 Year Plan The City has identified a number of park, recreation and open space projects or acquisitions to meet the needs of the park system as the City grows over time. These are based upon the Level of Service analysis. Common themes running through the list of projects is a desire to improve existing parks, as well as the expressed need for expanded trail facilities citywide, and pursuing land acquisitions in developing areas. The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) outlines and prioritizes capital expenditures for the next six years and is adopted into the City s Comprehensive Plan (chapter 12). This plan also contemplates park needs beyond the six year horizon to assure that planning can be adapted over time to changing development trends. These long range projects are generally identified as 20 year projects. It should be noted that some of the renovation and planning projects are likely to be addressed in an incremental manner over a number of years to prevent the need for a large capital expenditure in one or two years. Such projects, while part of the long term development plans, may not qualify as capital projects. While timelines are indicated based on current expectation of development trends, it is possible that the City may determine that 6 year projects should be put off to a later date or that a 20 year project has become necessary or feasible in the short term. It is anticipated that 40

47 2010 Park Plan Chapter 6 the City will review the CIP on an annual basis and determine any necessary changes to time frames as a part of that process. Consistent with the City s Capital Facilities element of the Comprehensive Plan, only appropriations and expenditures that are adopted into the annual budget are binding on the City. Acquisitions and Development Plans The projects included in this plan that address the long range needs for the community are written generally to facilitate flexibility over time to allow the community to adapt to changing desires and growth patterns. Projects are divided into five categories; land acquisitions, park development, park renovation, recreation development and park planning. Land Acquisition (LA) property that if acquired would serve as a park, recreation or open space asset to the City of Gig Harbor. In some cases these are specific sites: in other cases the acquisition is more general in nature to meet an identified need over time. Land acquisitions will be prioritized over time based on the following criteria: Land availability, as properties are listed for sale, specific opportunities may arise to meet the needs of the community identified in this plan. o Where specific sites are identified in this plan, a site being listed for sale may indicate a threat to a historic resource or indicate that an opportunity for a logical park expansion that may be not become available again. o In the case of more general acquisition needs, available sites should be reviewed based on their ability to meet the intent of listed acquisitions in the plan, cost, and how the particular site would enhance the City s existing system of parks and open spaces. Ability to collaborate with others to meet shared park, recreation or open space goals to reduce City expeditious both for acquisition and long term maintenance costs. Funding opportunities that may exist though donations, grants, collaboration or local fundraising efforts that have the potential to significantly reduce city expenditures in meeting identified needs. Park Development (PD) funding for development including trails, recreation and habitat improvements. Generally these projects occur on city owned property or easements, with several exceptions (Cushman Trail). The project descriptions provide a basic scope of the project and its location. The details of a development project are anticipated to be refined as the project moves forward in the planning and funding process. Park Renovation (PR) funding to replace or improve existing facilities within City Parks. Generally these items are identified based on the anticipated lifespan of a particular amenity or structure existing within the system. These items may be achieved either as larger renovation projects or through incremental improvements to the system overtime. Recreation Development (RD) funding for the development of recreational opportunities on property not owned by the City or not associated with a park. 41

48 Chapter Park Plan Park Planning (PP) these projects reflect known areas where a particular park site (developed or undeveloped) is in need of additional planning to facilitate decision making. This may include public outreach to determine community desires, data collection (critical area reports, surveys, historic structure reports) or plans necessary for permitting a particular improvement. These projects generally identify areas where a park has been expanded or where conceptual plans have been developed, but lack the detail necessary for permitting and development. Like park renovation activities, the City may choose to utilize staff to perform many of these tasks to reduce costs or otherwise take an incremental approach to reduce costs. It is likely that these projects will not be moved to the Capital Facilities list, given their nature, and instead would be moved forward through the annual budget and departmental goal setting process. CITY OF GIG HARBOR 2010 DRAFT PARKS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 1. Harbor History Museum Donkey Creek Acquisition and Easement $400,000 LA/RD Acquire easement across Museum property to facilitate development plans to restore Donkey Creek and to provide trail facilities at Austin Estuary Park. This also includes acquisition of a triangle parcel within Donkey Creek Park. The remaining funds will be contributed to the Museum in return for the public benefit provided from cultural preservation and education programs. Note: The City has structured the payments to the Harbor History Museum as 5 payments of $80,000 over 5 years from 2008 to Timeline: (6 year plan) Funding Sources: Local 2. Eddon Boatyard Dock Reconstruction $250,000 PD Reconstruct 122 ft pier in the historic footprint of the original dock removed as part of the 2009 soils remediation project. Reposition ramp and install float. Timeline: (6 year plan) Construction budgeted to start in 2010 Funding Sources: Heritage Grant (Funded) 3. Austin Estuary Park Restoration Project $350,000 $455,000 PD Restore the estuary, remove the rip rap and outfall pipe in coordination with the Donkey Creek Restoration Project. Construct trails and improve curb, sidewalk and gutter at street. Timeline: (6 year plan) Construction budgeted to start in 2010 Funding Sources: RCO Grant (Funded) 42

49 2010 Park Plan Chapter 6 4. Donkey Creek Restoration Project $2,210,000 PD Daylight Donkey Creek by removing the 30 inch, 300 ft culvert that presently exists under North Harborview and restoring approximately 600 ft of stream bank from North Harborview to the Austin Estuary outfall. Replant and restore the Museum Easement area, construct pedestrian trails and a pedestrian bridge feature on North Harborview Drive. Timeline: (6 year plan) Project is currently in design stage Funding Sources: Local, Federal (Funded) 5. Boys and Girls Club/Senior Center $1,000,000 RD As a match to a federal grant, contribute one time funding to the capital campaign of the Boys & Girls Club for the purposes of recreational programming for youth and seniors. Timeline: (6 year plan) Funding Sources: Local ($250,000), Federal HUD (Funded $750,000) 6. Crescent Creek Park Playground Improvements $50,000 $300,000 PR Replace existing play structures. Timeline: (6 year plan) Funding Sources: Grants, Local, Fundraising 7. Finholm View Climb Annual Maintenance $TBD PR The existing structure, though relatively new, is already requiring stair replacements and significant annual pruning of vegetation to maintain the views the facility is named for. It is anticipated that over the 20 year horizon of this plan, the City will need to look at more significant repairs or replacement of the structure. The existing landscape plants should also be considered for removal and replacement with plantings that will require less annual maintenance to maintain the views from the structure and nearby properties. Timeline: Incremental (6 year plan) Funding Sources: Local, Donations/Volunteers 8. Skansie Netshed Stabilization Project $250,000 PD Register netshed on the City s Historic Structures Inventory and stabilize the netshed by repairing/replacing piling, piling caps and support beams using like materials and methods. Timeline: (6 year plan) Funding Sources: Heritage Grant, Local 43

50 Chapter Park Plan 9. Cushman Trail Phase III 96th to Borgen $2,000,000 PD Construct 0.9 mile trail segment connecting the existing Cushman trail from 96 th Street to Borgen Blvd. Construct trailhead at Borgen to include restroom and offstreet parking. This segment has been designed and permitted. Timeline: (6 year plan) Funding Sources: Local, County, RCO Grant, Federal 10. Eddon Boat Park Development $300,000 PD Regrade for improved water access adding gravel/sand mix above and below the water line for enhanced public use. Add trail, seating and a soft landing for hand powered watercraft. Timeline: (6 year plan) Funding Sources: RCO Grants, Local 11. Gig Harbor North Park $5,000,000 LA/D Through the use of development agreement(s) and other arrangements, work with Gig Harbor North developers and neighboring property owners and organizations to acquire and develop a community park with playgrounds, athletic fields, picnic facilities and open space. Park area should be approximately 20 acres in size. Timeline: (6 year plan) Funding Sources: Developer Mitigation, Grants 12. Gig Harbor North Trail System $1,500,000 LA/D Through the use of development agreements, or other methods, work with Gig Harbor North developers to provide a public trail system that connects neighborhoods with nearby developments and the Cushman Trail. Timeline: (6 year plan) Funding Sources: Local, Developer Mitigation, Grants 13. Wilkinson Farm Barn Restoration $250,000 PD Stabilize and reroof the structure for future public access. Timeline: (6 year plan) Funding Sources: Heritage Barn Grant, Local Match 44

51 2010 Park Plan Chapter Jerisich Dock Utility Upgrades $70,000 PR Improve existing utilities including installation of a standpipe system and replacement of sewage pump out. Also improve existing restrooms. Note: Standpipe upgrade deadline is 1/1/2014 per GHMC Section 4604 Timeline: (6 year plan) Funding Sources: Local, RCO Grant (BIG) 15. Skansie House Improvements $60,000 $100,000 PD Register house on the City s Historic Structures Inventory and pursue remodel/restoration consistent with the historic residential use. Remodel main floor to allow re use of the structure including: informational brochures and historic artifacts in the front room with the remainder of the main floor to be used for shared office use by cultural, environmental or other non profit groups. Timeline: (6 year plan) Funding Sources: PSRC Grant, Local 16. Jerisich Dock Float Extension $300,000 PD Extend Jerisich Dock by approximately seventy feet and pursue options for additional seasonal floats as funding allows. Timeline: (6 year plan) Funding Sources: Fees, Grants, Donations 17. Jerisich / Skansie Park Improvements $150,000 PD Relocate utilities and amenities that will increase open space, improve pedestrian circulation, and create more flexibility for future use of the parks. Improvements include relocation of the Fishermen s Memorial, trash receptacles, new dock signage and pervious paving of the plaza area. Conceptual plans have been developed by the Gig Harbor Historic Waterfront Association and reviewed by City Council in The relocation of the memorial should additionally include a maritime memorial walk. Timeline: (6 year plan) Funding Sources: Local, Donations/Volunteer 45

52 Chapter Park Plan 18. Seasonal Floats at Jerisich Dock $200,000 PD Install seasonal float system to expand moorage at Jerisich Dock during summer months (late April through September). Timeline: (6 year plan) Funding Sources: Local, RCO Grant 19. Maritime Pier $2,500,000 $5,000,000 LA/D Evaluate and construct a commercial dock that can also be used for loading and unloading by the local fishing fleet. Explore locating the Maritime Pier at the Old Stutz Fuel Site or other appropriate shoreline location. Timeline: (6 year plan) Funding Sources: Local, Grants, Fees 20. Volunteer Planning $25,000 PP Develop list of small scale projects desired within the City s system that are appropriate projects for volunteers to complete and obtain technical data, plans and if necessary permits needed to facilitate such projects. It is anticipated that this larger project can be achieved through incremental budget appropriations to cover costs of consultants needed for specialized tasks (critical area reports, surveys) with the bulk of work occurring in house. Timeline: Incremental (6 year plan) Funding Sources: Grants, Local, Fundraising 21. Monitor the Sand Spit for Potential Acquisition $TBD LA If the property becomes available, acquire the Sand Spit to maintain the existing open space. If the property is acquired, it is anticipated that it will remain undeveloped and that it will remain in a natural state. Timeline: (20 year plan) Funding Sources: Local, Government Transfer 22. Develop Plan for Wilkinson Farm Park $25,000 PP Develop a plan for the continued development of the park with the necessary data/plans to facilitate required permitting. Scope to include: development of preservation plan for the historic structures and site features as well as possible trailhead improvements for the adjacent Cushman Trail (spur trails, additional parking, restroom development). 46

53 2010 Park Plan Chapter 6 Timeline: (6 year plan) Funding Sources: Grants, Local, Fundraising 23. Twawelkax Trail $125,000 PD Develop a trail connecting the Cushman Trail to Harborview/North Harborview Drive utilizing the perimeter of the WWTP site and adjacent open space parcels. Timeline: (6 year plan) Funding Sources: Local 24. Veterans Memorial Trail $125,000 PD Construct a trail through the existing utility corridor to connect Veterans Memorial Park to 45 th Street Court. Trail is anticipated to be approximately 0.35 miles. Timeline: (6 year plan) Funding Sources: Local 25. Wilkinson Farm Park Development $900,000 PD Continue improvements compatible with the preservation of existing historic structures, landscapes and open space. Maintain and enhance the pond, create a trail around it and provide improved connections to the Cushman Trail. Timeline: (6 year plan) Funding Sources: RCO Grant, Preservation Grants, Local Match 26. Develop Plan for Crescent Creek Park $25,000 PP Develop a plan for the expansion/re development of the park with the necessary data/plans to facilitate required permitting. Scope to include: community visioning for the expanded site and options for the possible future acquisition of the adjacent Masonic site and for the long term use of the house on the Rohr property. Timeline: 2015 (6 year plan) Funding Sources: Grants, Local, Fundraising 27. Harborview Waterfront Trail / Pioneer Way Streetscape $500,000 PD Improve the existing Harborview Trail and Pioneer Way sidewalks. Enhance this trail/sidewalk system through wider sidewalks, streetscape improvements and other pedestrian amenities. It is likely that these improvements could be implemented incrementally to reduce the need to finance large segments in any given year. Timeline: (6 year plan) Funding Sources: Grants, Local, Fundraising 47

54 Chapter Park Plan 28. Cushman Trail Phase IV a (Borgen to St. Anthony s Hospital) $400,000 PD Pursue development of part of the larger phase IV to connect the Cushman Trail to St. Anthony s Hospital to facilitate non motorized access between the hospital site and development along Borgen Boulevard. Timeline: 2020 (20 year plan) Funding Sources: Grants, Local, Fundraising (Partner with Hospital) 29. Kenneth Leo Marvin Veterans Memorial Park Phase 2 $250,000 PD Construct Phase 2 improvements to Veterans Memorial Park which include development of a plaza, park overlook, half basketball court, trail expansions, additional play structures, and landscape improvements. Timeline: (6 year plan) Funding Sources: RCO Grant, Local 30. Donkey Creek Corridor Conservation $1,500,000 LA Acquire property adjacent to Donkey (North) Creek to preserve stream and associated riparian areas for habitat and stormwater benefits. Prioritize acquisition of sites adjacent to City owned parcels in the vicinity of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Size of site(s) to be acquired should be based on the natural features of the site, habitat value (or enhancement potential) and opportunities for low impact recreation (trails/viewing platforms/interpretive signs). Timeline: year plan Funding Sources: County Conservation Futures 31. Critical Area Enhancement $100,000 PD Enhance critical area functions (habitat, stormwater) within the City s park system though invasive species removal, restoration of native vegetation and low impact recreational improvements which facilitate public access while minimizing damage to the resource. Coordinate improvements with engineering department work related to stormwater. Timeline: (6 year plan) Funding Sources: Local, Volunteers, Grants 48

55 2010 Park Plan Chapter Open Space Conservation $1,500,000 LA Acquire property with limited or poor suitability for urban development in underdeveloped areas of the City for open space preservation. Prioritize sites with high habitat or stormwater values or which preserve significant stands of trees. Size of site(s) to be acquired should be based on the natural features of the site, habitat value (or enhancement potential) and opportunities for low impact recreation (trails/viewing platforms/interpretive signs). City should also consider how a particular parcel could enhance the City s park system and vision. Timeline: 2020 (20 year plan) Funding Sources: County Conservation Futures, Grants, Local 33. Wheeler Pocket Park $70,000 PD Perform legal review to confirm City ownership and improve street end for public shoreline access including picnic facilities and a hand carry watercraft launch area. Project is anticipated to be completed by City Staff. Timeline: (6 year plan) Funding Sources: Local 34. Park Restroom Upgrade/Replacement $TBD PR It is anticipated over the 20 year planning horizon that all existing City park restroom facilities will require renovation or replacement. It is anticipated that this type of upgrade may be best accommodated in the City s budget by replacing one restroom facility per year for approximately 10 years starting with the oldest structures. Maintenance will continue in interim. Timeline: (20 year plan) Funding Sources: Local 35. Masonic Building $350,000 LA Consider the acquisition of the Masonic site on Vernhardson to facilitate Crescent Creek park expansion. Timeline: 2030 (20 year plan) Funding Sources: Grants, Local, Fundraising 49

56 Chapter Park Plan 36. Obtain Park Land in Developing Areas $1,500,000 LA Work with property owners in developing areas to acquire park and/or open space lands to serve area needs. Park sites should be located along primary access routes and incorporate natural features where ever possible. In areas where trail connections are needed, trail corridors should also be considered. Sites should be sized and improved to serve the greater neighborhood, not an individual development. Timeline: 2020 (20 year plan) Funding Sources: Grants, Local, Developer Mitigation, Fundraising 37. Cushman Trail Phase IV (Borgen to Purdy) $2,000,000 PD Partner with others (Pierce County, PenMet, Tacoma Power) to extend the Regional Cushman Trail from Borgen Boulevard to the Purdy Sand Spit, generally utilizing the Tacoma Cushman Utility Corridor. This trail segment is approximately 2 miles in length. Timeline: 2040 (20+ year plan) Timeline is based on the County s Regional Trail Plan Funding Sources: Grants, Local, County 38. Saint Nicholas Church $300,000 LA Should the property become available, acquire historic church for preservation and adaptive re use. This church structure represents the only intact historic church that remains within Gig Harbor. Timeline: If Threatened (20 year plan) Funding Sources: Local, Heritage Grant 50

57 2010 Park Plan Park Pages Appendix A The park pages contained in this appendix are intended to provide details about each of the City s parks. Details such as the location, natural features and existing amenities are included for each park. These pages also document public art and the historic relevance of a park site or name. A 1

58 Appendix A 2010 Park Plan This page intentionally left blank. A 2

59 2010 Park Plan Appendix A Adam Tallman Park 6626 Wagner Way Description: Park consists of wetland areas with a trail that loops though the park. Size: acres. Location: Park is located north of Wollochet Drive, on both sides of Wagner Way. Natural Features: Park is mostly wetland areas and associated buffers. Existing Amenities: Primary facility is the 0.61 mile trail which wraps around the wetland. Four wetland viewing platforms are provided along the trail. A trailhead is provided off Wagner way which includes off street parking for the park. Public Art: None at present. History: Park was acquired in 2001 as an easement from Jim Tallman who developed the adjacent plat. A 3

60 Appendix A 2010 Park Plan Austin Estuary 4009 Harborview Drive Description: This natural area park provides shoreline access to the estuary and is part of the City s greater vision for future day lighting of Donkey Creek. Size: 8.44 acres total, upland area 1.38 acres. Location: East side of Harborview Drive on Gig Harbor bay, south of the intersection with North Harborview Drive. Natural Features: The site is mostly estuarine tidelands at the confluence of Donkey Creek. Existing Amenities: Park is minimally developed with a gravel access path, picnic table and hand carry watercraft launch area. On street parking is provided along Harborview Drive. Public Art: None at present. History: The Austin Mill, established by Charles Osgood Austin was once located in this area. Austin came to Gig Harbor and leased land at the mouth of then Burnham Creek from the Novak family to build his mill. The Austin Mill became an important economic engine for the community employing many men in the area. In 2006 the City acquired the site through Pierce County Conservation funds. A 4

61 2010 Park Plan Appendix A Description: Park provides a shoreline view opportunity and urban plaza, which are located over a sewer pump station. This park won the American Public Works Association project of the year award (state level) in 2006 in the environmental category. Size: 0.1 acres. Bogue Viewing Platform 8803 North Harborview Drive Location: South side of North Harborview Drive, in the heart of the Finholm District. Natural Features: Located on the shoreline of Gig Harbor Bay (abuts Austin Estuary). Existing Amenities: Shoreline overlook (ADA accessible), picnic tables and trash facilities. Parking is available on street. Off street parking and restroom facility are available at the nearby Finholm View Climb site. Public Art: None at present, though a Scandinavian themed mosaic is planned. History: The Bogue Viewing Platform is located within a portion of the original Gig Harbor Plat filed in 1888 by Dr. A.M. Burnham of Minnesota. This area was sparsely populated with about a dozen homes until the early 1920 s. If the west side of the harbor is known for Croatian fisherman, the north end became synonymous with Scandinavian and Northern European influences brought by families who farmed the hillsides northeast into Crescent Valley. In honor of that history and in honor of two term Mayor Ruth Bogue (from 1978 to 1985), the Bogue Viewing Platform was named. A 5

62 Appendix A 2010 Park Plan City Park at Crescent Creek 3303 Vernhardson Street and 9702 Crescent Valley Drive NW Description: Originally City Park, this is the oldest of the City s parks. The original parcel was acquired from the Peninsula School District in The park has been expanded in recent years to include additional land for open space preservation and recreational uses. Size: 9.8 acres total. Location: North side of Vernhardson/96th Street at the head of the bay. Natural Features: Crescent Creek and adjacent wetlands located in western portion of the site. Existing Amenities: Tennis court, youth baseball/softball field, half basketball court, BMX bike course, sand volleyball courts, playground structure, picnic tables and group shelter, viewing platforms, restrooms, and off street parking areas. Public Art:. The cement rock sculpture, known as the Sea Form Orb, was added under a government arts grant in History: Known to long time residents as "City Park" this was the first and, for many years, only park within city limits. The picnic structure, natural creek bed and specimen trees represent an important historic landscape that embody Gig Harbor s rural lifestyle. A 6 The site was originally owned by Crescent Valley School and used as a playground (School was built in 1915 and located just northeast of the Park). Franklin Delano Roosevelt s New Deal cultural program and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) initiated a massive employment relief program in Construction of recreation facilities employed thousands of common laborers around the country, including this site. The large covered picnic shelter s stone pilasters, wood beams, shingled roof, and large concrete and stone cooking oven signify a national economic period of significance with architectural characteristics typical of WPA projects throughout the country. Records from 1935 document that the men employed to construct the City Park open air structure worked 5 days a week, 6 hours a day, and were paid $55 a month.

63 2010 Park Plan Appendix A Civic Center 3510 Grandview Street Description: While the primary use of this property is governmental services, the site also includes a large public green, skate park and playground. Size: 10.3 acres total, approximately 6.55 acres of park use on site. Location: Site is located on the south side of Grandview Street adjacent to Grandview Forest. Site also fronts on Kimball (pedestrian access only). Natural Features: No significant natural features at this location. Existing Amenities: Skate park, playground, picnic tables, seating, open field, plaza, and pedestrian paths. The Civic Center Green is a large informal field used both for community gatherings and play. Restrooms are provided during business hours in the Civic Center and are also available in the adjacent Grandview Forest Park. Parking facilities are shared with the Civic Center. Public Art: Three original pieces of art were installed as part of the Civic Center design and development. A brushed steel sculpture that embodies the city s diverse background of historic industries and landscapes by Gary Jackson is installed over the entrance to the Council Chambers. Glass countertop etchings that run the length of the Community Development counters depicting original early fishing vessel design plans by Doug Filbach. And finally, a bronze compass of salmon by Loraine Hoivick is embedded in the concrete plaza, welcoming visitors due northwest as they enter City Hall. History: Site was acquired from the Peninsula School District, it was the former site of Harbor Heights Elementary School and playing fields. A 7

64 Appendix A 2010 Park Plan Cushman Trail See Trailhead Locations for access points Description: This regional trail facility has been developed in coordination with Pierce County and Tacoma Power Utility. Length: Constructed length is 5 miles, of which approximately 4 miles are located within City Limits. Location: The trail currently starts at 14th Avenue NW (south of City limits) and extends to 96th Street. Trail is planned ultimately to connect to Tacoma via the Scott Pierson Trail at the south end and extend to Henderson Bay in Purdy at the north end. Natural Features: Trail traverses both urban and natural areas. Existing Amenities: Trail is paved and generally feet in width. See trailheads for details on support facilities that serve the trail within City limits. A 8

65 2010 Park Plan Appendix A Cushman Trailheads (Additional trailhead facilities exist, only City trailheads are documented here) Description: One of three (two presently developed and one planned) trailhead facilities located within City limits providing access to the Cushman Trail Size: 0.45 acres. Location: End of Grandview Street. Natural Features: None. Existing Amenities: Restrooms and off street parking. Public Art: None at present. Cushman Trail: Grandview Trailhead 3908 Grandview Street Cushman Trail: Hollycroft Trailhead 2626 Hollycroft Street Description: One of three (two presently developed and one planned) trailhead facilities located within City limits providing access to the Cushman Trail (see trail inventory for details on trail). Size: 0.60 acres. Location: At the intersection of Hollycroft Street and Olympic Drive. Natural Features: None. Existing Amenities: Pervious plaza with picnic tables, elevated deck and restrooms. Limited parking is available off site within the dead end right of way for 28th Avenue. Public Art: Plaza paving design incorporates the sails from the City logo. A 9

66 Appendix A 2010 Park Plan Donkey Creek Park 8714 North Harborview Drive Description: This park was acquired by the City in 1999 and is developed around an unstructured lawn area used for community events and informal recreation uses. Size: 1.3 acres. Location: Located just north of the intersection of Harborview and North Harborview this site is bounded by Harborview, North Harborview and Austin Street. Natural Features: Donkey Creek. Existing Amenities: Open field, creek viewing platform, benches, fish hatchery (remote salmon incubators) maintained by members of the Gig Harbor Commercial Fishermen s Civic Club since 1971, and restrooms. On street parking is available on North Harborview Drive and Austin Street. Public Art: "Ringing In The Salmon," a work by Tom Torrens and Ben Isitt, installed in 2009, celebrates the return of salmon to Donkey Creek each fall. History: The S Homamish lived in a winter village known as twawelkax or tua wilkel meaning trout at the mouth of Donkey Creek within and/or directly adjacent to Donkey Creek Park. The village appears to have disbanded in the early 1900 s followed by construction of the Austin Mill (see history of Austin Estuary Park). At the time, a donkey engine was used by loggers to move timber downstream for transport to the mill. The Austin Mill provided stable employment to men in the area. Later, C.O. Austin popularized the use of vertical logs, and his son and son in law operated the Austin Erickson business out of what later became Borgen s Hardware and Lumber. The building was demolished in the 2002 but in honor of the site s history, original logs were salvaged from the building and used to side the Donkey Creek Restroom constructed in A 10

67 2010 Park Plan Appendix A Description: The City acquired this historic boatyard site in 2004 as the result of a voter approved bond in 2004 to save Eddon Boatyard. Acquisition of the site prevented the demolition of the historic site. The Boatyard building was restored in 2009 and leased to Gig Harbor BoatShop, a non profit organization that provides traditional shipwright educational classes and programming to the public as part of the City s commitment to preserving the community s maritime heritage. Size: 2.89 acres. Location: East of the intersection of Harborview Drive and Stinson Avenue on Gig Harbor Bay. Natural Features: Located on Gig Harbor Bay. Existing Amenities: Historic boat building, brick house and deck, shoreline access, benches, picnic table, and restrooms. Public Art: None at present. Eddon Boat Park 3805 Harborview Drive History: Conrad Anderson s boat yard was for sale in the early 1940 s and although the building and marine ways were not worth saving, Art Glein purchased it. Glein built a brick house along with the boatyard, dock, and marine ways in Glein s biggest regret was that, by building the family home next to the boat yard, he was never able to expand. In 1950, Ed Hoppen and friend, Don Harter were approached by Art Glein who offered to sell his business site to the two young men. They purchased the site and renamed the company, Eddon Boat. Ed and his wife, Marty, lived in the 2 story, clinker brick house from 1950 to Eddon Boatyard was the birthplace of the renowned 26 ft Thunderbird sailboat class (1958), a Ben Seaborn / Ed Hoppen design. Eddon Boat is a classic example of a family operated boatyard and is the last known facility of its type on the west coast. With two marine railways, a large boatshop of a height to accommodate a boat s superstructure (including some masts and rigs), Eddon Boat is recognizable and unique to Gig Harbor s waterfront. The site is listed on the Gig Harbor Register of Historic Places and may be eligible for listing on the national register. A 11

68 Appendix A 2010 Park Plan Description: The Finholm View Climb provided a pedestrian connection from Franklin Avenue to the historic Finholm district located on North Harborview, because it provides a functional connection for pedestrians, this site is considered a trail. The view climb provides panoramic views of Mount Rainier with 100 stairs that scale the hillside. Size: 0.32 acres (trail length is approximately 0.05 miles). Location: Site is accessed from both North Harborview and Franklin Avenue. Natural Features: No significant natural features at this location. Existing Amenities: Drinking fountain, seating, view landings, restrooms, and off street parking areas.. While an accessible viewing platform is provided at Franklin Avenue, the view climb itself is not accessible. Restrooms are provided at the base of the view climb (North Harborview). A time capsule has been placed at this location. Public Art: None at present. Finholm View Climb 8826 North Harborview Drive (bottom) / 8917 Franklin Avenue (top) History: Swedish Captain Axel Uddenberg (who arrived in 1907) opened a grocery store and meat market in the early 1920 s southwest of this park site. A number of stores and small businesses followed and later, a pair young Finnish immigrant brothers named Ed and Johnny Finholm worked for Uddenberg. Eventually the Finholm Brothers purchased and renamed the store: Finholm s Market. This park was named in their honor. See also the Bogue Viewing Platform History. A 12

69 2010 Park Plan Appendix A Description: Grandview Forest is a preserved urban forest, providing open space and wildlife habitat. Park is minimally developed with trails and supporting facilities. Portions of the Stanich Trail are located within this park (Stanich Trail is described below). Size: 8.58 acres. Location: Located at the south west corner of Grandview Street and Stanich Avenue. Natural Features: Preserved urban forest. Existing Amenities: Primary facility is the 0.38 mile trail which loops under the forest canopy. Additional amenities include benches, water fountain, and restrooms. Parking is provided on the adjacent Civic Center site. A portion of the Stanich Tail is located on this site; portions of the park trails are designated as part of the Cushman Trail. Public Art: None at present. Grandview Forest Park and Stanich Trail 3303 Vernhardson Street Stanich Trail Description/location: This trail is located partially within an undeveloped portion of the McDonald Avenue right of way and partially within Grandview Forest park. The trail connects the Stanich street end to Erickson Street. Portions of this trail have been designated as the Cushman Trail. Length: 0.2 miles. A 13

70 Appendix A 2010 Park Plan Jerisich Dock 3211 Harborview Drive Description: Jerisich Dock provides transient moorage for boaters, and seasonal pump out station (April 1 thru Nov 1) in the heart of downtown. Jerisich Dock is located adjacent to Skansie Brother s Park. Size: 0.56 acres Location: East side of Harborview Drive across from Rosedale Street on Gig Harbor Bay Natural Features: Gig Harbor Bay Existing Amenities: Pier and floating moorage dock, seasonal pump out facility, picnic tables, drinking fountain and restroom. Life jacket kiosk provided in cooperation with Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One, Safe Kids and Harbor Heights Elementary. Public moorage is provided: 48 hour short stay, no slips, no power, no reservations, no charge. Public Art: In recognition of Gig Harbor s maritime history and historic fishing fleet, a bronze sculpture of a fisherman pulling his net from the sea was installed on the dock. The statue was created by Russian Artist, Antonov Safronov. A plaque with the names of local fishermen lost at sea is mounted on the base. Also located at this site is a historic anchor and plaque donated by local fishing families. History: Jerisich Dock is named for Samuel Jerisich, who along with his family and two fishing partners, became the first white settlers in Gig Harbor. In 1867 they rowed from Vancouver Island in a flat bottomed skiff, and like the men of the Wilkes expedition 26 years before, found shelter from a storm in the harbor. Samuel s fishing partners later moved on, but Samuel, his wife Anna, and family remained. The family lived on the east side of the bay in a one room cabin made out of split cedar boards. The supplies needed to build the home were brought from Olympia, via boat. It was not until 1883 that other pioneers came to the area. A County managed fishermen s wharf was once located in the footprint of Jerisich Dock. The drive aboard pier (approx 30x50 foot) was used by local the fishermen for loading and unloading of fishing nets and gear. When the City incorporated in 1946, the county dock fell into disrepair and was eventually torn down. A 14

71 2010 Park Plan Appendix A Description: Dedicated in 2009, this community park provides a variety of active recreation facilities and open spaces to serve residents in this area of the City. Size: 5.57 acres Kenneth Leo Marvin Veterans Memorial Park th Street Court NW Location: South side of 50th Street Court NW, site is west of Olympic Drive commercial area. Natural Features: Wetlands and associated buffer. Existing Amenities: Combined baseball/soccer field with bleachers, play structure, bike rack, drinking fountain, covered picnic area with tables, restrooms, and both off and on street parking areas. Public Art: In recognition of the dedication to duty and sacrifice made by all veterans, a 1940 s granite monument from Union (the town s first high school at the head of the bay) was relocated to Veterans Park. The inscription reads "Inscribed To Those Who Served Their Country In The Global War". History: The park was named in honor of Kenneth Leo Marvin, a local resident who joined the Marine Corp in 1939 and fought in World War II. He was captured by the Japanese on Wake Island in 1941 and interned in a prisoner of war camp in Japan for nearly 4 years. Following the war, Marvin returned and was very active in the community, married a local girl and raised a family. A local businessman for 30 years, after Marvin retired, he spent many years working as a crew hand on local commercial fishing vessels. A 15

72 Appendix A 2010 Park Plan Old Ferry Landing (Harborview Drive Street End) Description: Site overlooks the entrance of Gig Harbor Bay with an 180 degree view of the sand spit, Colvos Passage and Mount Rainier. Size: 0.31 acres (includes street end and adjacent bluff parcel). Location: South end of Harborview Drive. Natural Features: Gig Harbor Bay. Existing Amenities: Shoreline overlook with picnic tables, drinking fountain and power outlet. Public Art: None at present Harborview Drive History: The Harborview street end once provided access to Gig Harbor s second ferry landing constructed in the 1920 s The wood dock included a small café that burned in the late 1930 s. When the first Narrows Bridge opened in 1940, the landing was closed. Six months later when Galloping Gertie fell during a windstorm, ferry service was reopened but not at the Old Ferry Landing (this site). Instead, ferry service was provided at the end of Point Fosdick Road. Remnants of the ferry dock and piling are still visible. A narrow footpath running along the bluff serves as pedestrian access to a cluster of historic cabins known as the Nesika Beach Community. Because the ferry landing is located at the entrance of the harbor, a tradition that began in the early 1900 s and continues today, is shared by local fishing families that race to this site to bid farewell to commercial fishing boats as they round the corner beyond the sandspit on their way to Alaskan waters. A 16

73 2010 Park Plan Appendix A Skansie Brothers Park 3207 Harborview Drive Description: Located in the downtown area, this park provides a community gathering place for the City. Acquired in 2002 as an expansion to the Jerisich Dock site, this park is host to the Maritime Festival, tree lighting, summer concert series and other community events throughout the year. Size: 2.59 acres. Location: East side of Harborview Drive near intersection with Rosedale Street. Natural Features: Gig Harbor Bay. Existing Amenities: Large waterfront open space, covered pavilion, historic netshed, historic house, picnic tables and benches. Restroom provided at Jerisich Dock. Parking is provided onstreet. Public Art: None at present, see Jerisich Dock for additional information. History: Four Skansie brothers emigrated from the Island of Brac (Croatia) near the turn of the 20th century. Mitchell, Andrew, Joseph and Peter were all fishermen but Mitchell and Andrew eventually began building salmon seiners in To construct their fleet of boats, the brothers built ways; inclined tracks upon which boats could be slid in and out of the water. As more and more fishermen made use of the Skansie's ways, the brothers created Skansie Boat Building Company located adjacent to the Andrew Skansie family home. Andrew had been a stone mason in his native homeland and built his waterfront home with two foot thick beach rock foundation and 16,000 bricks in1908. The large side yards were typical of fishing homes and used to lay out and dry tarred fishing nets. He and his wife Bertha had five children. Peter, their youngest child, sold the historic brick house and netshed to the City before he died in The contents of the 1910 netshed were photographed, inventoried and placed in storage in 2009 in preparation of stabilizing the over the water structure when funds become available. A 17

74 Appendix A 2010 Park Plan Wilkinson Farm Park 4118 Rosedale Street Description: Officially named Helen Independence Wilkinson Farm City Park this park was acquired in The Wilkinson Farm remains a tangible link to Gig Harbor s agrarian past, and exemplifies the hardy perseverance of one pioneer family. In 2006 the City received a state heritage grant to complete a Historic Structures Report, and in 2008 the Wilkinson Barn was added to Washington State's list of historic barns. Size: acres. Location: South side of Rosedale Street just east of the Tacoma Cushman Power ROW. Natural Features: Wetlands, steep slopes and associated buffers. Existing Amenities: On site trails, community garden, and off street parking area. Public Art: None at present. History: William Wilkinson and his young family moved to Gig Harbor from the Midwest. In 1909 he purchased 20 acres of land and with a team of horses logged the land, building a small cabin for his family. Construction on the barn, which still stands today, was started in Wilkinson, his son Vivian, and neighbors built the barn using logs from Wilkinson s property and lumber from the C.O. Austin mill in Gig Harbor. Wilkinson never saw the completion of the barn because he was killed in a fall from the barn s loft. The farmhouse on the property took shape gradually. William s wife Maria and her four children built the house without professional help. They used some of the lumber from the original bayside cabin, along with lumber purchased from the mill. Because Maria and Vivian were tearing down the cabin to build the farmhouse, the family would occasionally sleep in the barn. They finally moved into the new house after the roof was completed, although they were still without windows. The family maintained the farm for several decades, growing hay, vegetables, and holly. With her milking cows, Maria established a dairy route in Gig Harbor. In October 2001, the City of Gig Harbor purchased the site that includes a 2 story craftsman farmhouse, the well preserved gambrel roof dairy barn, three of the original outbuildings, a holly orchard, meadows and a large wetlands set against a steep wooded hillside. A 18

75 2010 Park Plan City of Gig Harbor Park and Trail Locations Map Appendix B B 1

76 Appendix B 2010 Park Plan This page intentionally left blank. B 2

77 WOOD HILL DR NW 70TH AV NW BURNHAM DR NW BURNHAM DR NW BORGEN BLVD CRESCENT VALLEY DR NW HALLSTROM DR NW SEHMEL DR NW BUJACICH RD NW BURNHAM DR NW PEACOCK HILL AV NW DRUMMOND DR NW MOLLER DR NW 4 54TH AV NW NORTH HARBORVIEW DR. 66TH AV NW LOMBARD DR NW ROSEDALE ST NW Adam Tallman Park Austin Estuary Bogue Viewing Platform City Park at Crescent Creek SKANSIE AV ROSEDALE ST HUNT ST NW Civic Center (Greens and Skate Park) 1 2 STREET ROUTE HARBORVIEW DR. PIONEER WAY SOUNDVIEW DR. 12 CITY OF GIG HARBOR PARK AND TRAIL LOCATIONS 6 Cushman Trailhead - Grandview 7 8 Cushman Trailhead - Hollycroft Donkey Creek Park Eddon Boat Park Finholm View Climb WOLLOCHET DR NW 11 Grandview Forest ARTONDALE DR NW 12 Harborview Drive Street End Kenneth Leo Marvin Veterans Memorial Park Jerisich Dock 15 40TH ST NW Skansie Brothers Park 16 Wilkinson Farm Park 1 32ND ST NW 62ND AV NW WOLLOCHET DR NW Cushman Trail 2 Stanich Trail 3 Harborview Trail EAST BAY DR NW JAHN AV NW 14TH AV NW