What's Going on in Our Parks?

Thank you to everyone who participated in Letters to Santa! We had a blast in Key Center, writing letters and decorating ornaments with you! And just like that, our 2023 event season has come to a close. Thank you to our wonderful community for coming out to our parks and joining us for all the fun times. See you next year!

Check out our 2024 community events schedule. These dates are subject to change, so make sure to check our website and read this monthly newsletter to stay up to date! www.keypenparks.com/2024-events.

As cold, frosty, and icy weather is on its way, parks may be closed early or opened late for the safety of the community and our staff. If our office determines the need to close our parks due to weather, signs will be posted on the park gates and notices will be posted on our social media. If you have access to Facebook/Instagram, make sure to check frequently!

The Key Central Forest timber harvest is almost here. DNR has alerted our office that the timber harvest of Key Central Forest will begin on December 15th. The Northeast Loop will be closed beginning 12/15, and then in the middle-end of January, the Northwest and Southwest loops will be closed, as well, meaning that the whole park will be closed for about two months beginning in the middle-end of January. Find out more: www.keypenparks.com/key-central-forest.

Submit your letter of support for our "Bring 360 Trails Home" project! To find more information and a template of what a letter of support looks like, visit www.keypenparks.com/tlt. Letters are due to our office ([email protected]) by March 31, 2024.

Reserve a picnic shelter!

Our pavilion at Gateway Park can be reserved for your event or activity. Fill out a rental request form today! Key Peninsula residents (98329, 98394, 98349, 98351) can reserve a shelter for 2024 beginning January 1st, 2024. Non-residents can request a rental beginning on February 1st, 2024.

www.keypenparks.com/picnic-shelter-rentals

Community Engagement

Volunteer with us!

We are starting monthly volunteer work parties at 360 Trails! The first one will be held from 9am-12pm on January 13th. 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 www.keypenparks.com/volunteer to find out more.

Key Pen Parks at Gig Harbor Rotary North

On Tuesday, November 21st, our Outreach and Community Events Coordinator had the chance to share about the parks, upcoming 2024 events, current outreach campaigns, and volunteer opportunities out on the Key Peninsula. Thanks, Gig Harbor Rotary North!

Potential Acquisition of the Old Lavender Farm

On October 31st, during a special parks board meeting, the Key Pen Parks Board of Commissioners agreed to execute the purchase of two parcels on Wright Bliss Road (10612-19 Wright Bliss Rd NW); the property is locally known as the Old Lavender Farm. These parcels are just north of Key Central Forest, meaning that the acquisition of this land will lead to the expansion of public park and recreational space. A 60-day feasibility study is currently underway, with prices being assessed and structures, septic, and water being inspected. Based on the results of these inspections, a final decision as to whether Key Pen Parks will complete the acquisition will be made in early January. After the purchase is finalized, master planning and community outreach will be conducted to determine desired, reasonable, and applicable amenities to include on the property.

Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance is coming to 360 Trails!

We are happy to announce that Key Pen Parks has enlisted the expertise of Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance to help maintain the mountain biking trails in 360 Trails! Check out EMBA's volunteer page to see how you can get involved. https://www.evergreenmtb.org/support-us/volunteer/work-parties

Everyone welcome (including kids)! Bring clothes for the weather and binoculars if you have them (extras available). 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.

Fun Activities!

Unscramble the holiday-themed words below! Email [email protected] if you would like the solution sheet.

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.

We are not currently hiring.

Find updates 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.

While it is not dam-building season, the beavers at Gateway Park are still out and active!

Photo submitted by Scott.

Mount Rainier from Maple Hollow.

Photo taken by: Tina McKail

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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