Key Pen Parks

March Newsletter

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What falls in March but never gets hurts?

The rain!

What's Going on in Our Parks?

Our community Egg Hunt event is on March 23! Come on down to Gateway Park at 10:00 AM for a free and fun event open to all. There will be beginner and advanced egg hunt areas (eggs are first-come, first-found), and a face-painter! www.keypenparks.com/egg-hunt

Craft time - April 13th! The craft will be related to our Summer Solstice Gnome Hunt. Check back at www.keypenparks.com/craft-time for updates on time and location.

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 for a fun run! Come in a Star Wars themed costume to compete in a costume contest, find hidden items along the course route for prizes, and find out more at www.keypenparks.com/fun-run. Preregistration will be required (link coming soon - check our website and social media pages for updates between newsletters).

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.

One month left to 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 (answers@keypenparks.com) by March 31, 2024.

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.

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 made the decision to officially acquire this land! The closing date was February 1st, 2024. Although this land is Key Pen Parks' property, it is not currently open to the public because of the existing tenants residing on the property. 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

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!

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.

Parks and Facilities Manager

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 social@keypenparks.com for a chance to be featured on our website and/or newsletter! All photos will be screened to ensure appropriate content.

Smiles at the Gateway Park playground!

Photo from Gina D.

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 social@keypenparks.com to let us know your suggestions!

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