Key Pen Parks

February Newsletter

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How does the groundhog know when to look for his shadow?

His friends tell him to gopher it.

What's Going on in Our Parks?

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.

Come see Barbie on February 22nd at the KP Civic Center! This is a free community event. The movie will begin at 6:00pm - make sure to bring your own comfy chair, blanket, or beanbag! www.keypenparks.com/movie-nights

Due to a lack of interest, the Valentine's Day Tea and Luncheon has been cancelled. www.keypenparks.com/valentines-day-luncheon

As cold, frosty, and icy weather is here, 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!

Our office will be closed on Monday, February 19th in observance of President's Day. "In the end, it is not the years in your life that count, but the life in your years." - Abraham Lincoln

The Key Central Forest timber harvest is here. DNR has alerted our office that the timber harvest of Key Central Forest has begun, and the entire park will be closed for the duration of the harvest (to reopen in Spring 2024). 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!

We are implementing a new block schedule for our rentals! Check it out here: Gateway Shelter Rental Block Schedule Based on Sunset Hours for 2024 (keypenparks.com)

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

www.keypenparks.com/picnic-shelter-rentals

Community Engagement

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.

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.

The 60-day feasibility study was completed in the first few days of 2024, during which prices were assessed, and structures, septic, and water were inspected. Based on the results of these findings, Key Pen Parks has made the decision to officially acquire this land! The closing date is February 1st, 2024. Although this land will be Key Pen Parks' property, it will not be immediately open to the public because of the existing tenants residing on the property. After the purchase is finalized on February 1st, master planning and community outreach will be conducted in the coming months to determine desired, reasonable, and applicable amenities to include on the property.

Photos by EMBA

Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance is coming to 360 Trails!

We are happy to have 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

Hello 360 friends! We had a huge crew of volunteers out at the park [on 12/30/23] doing maintenance on BeeLine, Juice Box, Ticket to Ride, a couple of the bigger jump lines and East Wing. Lots of drainage, cutting back bushes. Some berm and tread work… Please ride with caution as fresh dirt may make lines run a little slower than you may be used to. There was also the beginning of some shaping on the jumps so things may feel a little different in general. All part of the process until our builders can come back out.

Thanks for the huge turnout today. We had an absolute blast digging and riding with you all! We can’t wait until the next one. In the meantime, you will see the Evergreen builders out working line-by-line. Swing by and say hello!

Cheers!

Evergreen West Sound

Rocky Creek Conservation Area Updates

Our awesome maintenance team has filled in the potholes and puddles at the Rocky Creek Conservation Area parking lot! Go check out this beautiful park and enjoy hiking the trails to the creek. Please remember that there is no dumping allowed.

www.keypenparks.com/rocky-creek-conservation-area

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.

Fun Activities!

Bring some color to Volunteer Park! Email [email protected] a copy of your finished masterpiece to be featured on our social media or swing by our office with your colored sheet for a prize!

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 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.

Thank you to all of the wonderful volunteers who came out for Saturday's work party! You made such a difference, and all of the 360 Trails users will appreciate the hard work you did!

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!

Make sure you follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more frequent updates.