Key Pen Parks

April Newsletter

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What's Going on in Our Parks?

  • Craft time - April 13th. Help us make gnomes for our Summer Solstice Gnome Hunt! We will be crafting at the Gateway Pavilion at 10am. Please let us know if you are coming so we have enough clay for everyone! www.keypenparks.com/craft-time


  • Spring Movie Night - April 18th. Swing by the Red Barn Youth Center at 6pm to watch the Super Mario Bros movie with Key Pen Parks and the Red Barn! www.keypenparks.com/movie-nights.


  • May the 4th Fun Run! Join Key Pen Parks at 360 Trails on May 4th at 10am for a fun run (walking is welcome)! Come in a themed costume to compete in a costume contest, find hidden items along the course route for prizes, get a free t-shirt, and find out more at www.keypenparks.com/fun-run. Preregistration is required!


  • Register for Family Time Tea! Join Key Pen Parks at the KP Civic Center on May 18th for delicious lunch and tea! Adult ticket (16+) - $21. Child ticket (<16) - $9. Registration closes May 12th. www.keypenparks.com/family-tea


  • The Key Central Forest timber harvest is here. The DNR timber harvest of Key Central Forest began in January, and the entire park is closed for the duration of the harvest (to reopen in late Spring 2024). Find out more: www.keypenparks.com/key-central-forest.


  • Check out what summer events we have lined up! From a gnome hunt to a 20th Anniversary Celebration to a swing dance to a kid's concert to movie nights, we've got it all! www.keypenparks.com/2024-events

Community Engagement

Pierce County Launches a Parks and Recreation Scholarship Program


"Pierce County Parks and Recreation announced the launch of the brand-new Pierce County Parks Scholarship Program! Now, Pierce County residents with limited incomes can access County recreational programs like never before.


Scholarships are awarded based on income and family size. Eligible individuals or families may receive a credit of up to $300 per household per scholarship type. This financial assistance is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis as funds are available. The scholarship programs being offered are:

  • Specialized Recreation Scholarship (all ages with disabilities): 100% off fees for any specialized recreation programs offered through the Adventure within Reach.
  • General youth scholarships (ages 3-21): 50% off registration fees for youth programs like sports camps, arts, nature camps and more.
  • Summer LIFE Scholarship (ages 13-17): Free weekly field trips for the Summer LIFE experiential learning program series." 


Scholarships & Financial Aid | Pierce County, WA - Official Website (piercecountywa.gov)

Volunteer with us!


Join us for our volunteer work parties! Upcoming dates are posted on keypenparks.com/volunteer. No need to register - we look forward to seeing you there!


If you would like to volunteer on your own or help out at our community events, please visit keypenparks.com/volunteer to find out more.

Everyone welcome (including kids)! Bring clothes for the weather and binoculars if you have them. Join Chris Rurik, the KP Nature Guide, each month for a bird walk around Gateway Park’s hidden beaver pond and back woods. Learn about incredible birds and hope for the thrill of finding a rarity. All skill levels welcome. Expect to walk 1-2 miles on uneven terrain. 

Reserve a picnic shelter!


Our pavilion at Gateway Park can be reserved for your event or activity. We are introducing a new self-serve rental portal! Check it out on our website: www.keypenparks.com/picnic-shelter-rentals


The Volunteer and Home Park picnic shelters are first come, first served.

Fun Activities!

Reminder Of Our Park Rules

Job Openings

Key Pen Parks works to creates spaces where the Key Peninsula can meet and have fun, discover community, engage with nature and get some fresh air, and participate in special events. Come join our team and help us provide beautiful parks that everyone can enjoy! We have career opportunities on both the office and the maintenance side, so check out what jobs we have open.


Find the application at www.keypenparks.com/jobs.

Photo Features

We want to see the fun photos you've taken in our parks! Submit your photo to [email protected] ​for a chance to be featured on our website and/or newsletter! All photos will be screened to ensure appropriate content.

Just one epic dude in the park!

Photo from Stacey H.

What Content Are You Interested In?

Think we're missing something in our newsletter? Let us know! Whether you want different types of information or other fun activities and highlights, reach out [email protected] to let us know your suggestions!


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Have a happy April!