A History of Key Pen Parks

The Key Peninsula Metropolitan Park District, or as it is better known, Key Pen Parks, was formed in May 2004 by a special election to provide locally governed parks and recreation facilities for the citizens of the Key Peninsula. Key Pen Parks took the place of the previous 30-year-old Key Peninsula Parks and Recreation District, and in October 2004, Key Pen Parks acquired the already-existing Volunteer Park, as well as the Home Park property, from the prior park district. Since the beginning, we have been dedicated to serving our local community through our parks. Poke around to learn more about where we've been and where we're going!

The Highlights of Our History

Opening of the Splash Pad

• In 2022, the Splash Pad at Gateway Park had its grand opening!
• Key Pen Parks soft-launched the Splash Pad in 2021 and encouraged the community to use and enjoy it, but due to COVID-19, the grand opening was delayed until the following year.

Gateway Park Pavilion and Funding the Splash Pad

• The Gateway Park Pavilion (2018 & 2019) was built and opened for public use, thanks to the grant supplied and the dedicated volunteers from the Gig Harbor Rotary Club. Check out the video on our Facebook page!
• The Splash Pad project at Gateway Park was selected (2018) for funding by the Washington Recreation Conservation Office, culminating in a grant of close to $500,000 in state capital funds. 

Expanding in the Community 

• Key Pen Parks participated in the pool restoration project at Camp Stand By Me​. The improvements were designed to better serve seniors in the Key Peninsula community and guests with disabilities through a therapeutic pool facility that can accommodate a broad range of ages and abilities (2016). 
• 360 Trails Pump Track opened (mountain biking trails), construction of Gateway Park moved forward, the Manke property (adjacent to Gateway Park) and additional property on Taylor Bay were acquired (2017).

Gateway Park Master Plan

Updates and Upgrades

• The board approved the Gateway Park Master Plan, which included the phasing plans for construction as funds allow (2015).
• After updates to the entrance road, Key Central Forest became more easily accessible to the public (2015)!
• The maintenance shop and the concession stand at Volunteer Park underwent electrical upgrades (2015).

Parks Development

• The Gateway Park property was acquired (2012).
• Key Pen Parks, PenMet Parks, and Kitsap County Parks joined forces to operate Horseshoe Lake. However, this partnership ended with the opening of the Splash Pad at Gateway Park in 2021.
• Key Pen Parks acquired the property adjacent to Key Central Forest for future access development (2012).
• The Key Peninsula Civic Center installed a new playground, with the help of Key Pen Parks (2012)!

Key Peninsula Civic Center playground

We're Growing

• Maple Hollow Park hosted its grand reopening!
• Key Central Forest (480 acres) trust land properties were leased to Key Pen Parks for 50 years by the Department of Natural Resources (2010-2011).
• Minter Creek property of five acres was acquired (2010-2011).

Adding Fun to Our Parks

• Received for grant funding from Pierce County Conservation Futures and the State of Washington Recreation Conservation Office Salmon Recovery Funding Board to acquire property on Taylor Bay (2008).
• Key Pen Parks and Key Peninsula Little League joined forces to apply for the Youth Athletic Facility Grant with the State of Washington Recreation Conservation Office (2008).
• Home Park's now-beloved playground and picnic shelter were assembled (2008).
• The development of the Volunteer Park Master Plan was set in motion (2009).

Home Park

The Big Kickoff Years

• Volunteer Park updated:
  • The concession stand was completely renovated and started its operation, three infields were refurbished, and the Key Peninsula Lion Club members donated their time to construct a retaining wall. 
  • Backstops were installed on the ballfields at Volunteer Park.
  • A conceptual master plan of 360 Trails property was created. The first Comprehensive Plan detailing ideas and action plans for the parks through 2013 was developed.

Volunteer Park Ballfield

• The Key Peninsula had its first Parks Appreciation Day! Volunteers donated over 290 hours of their time to the upkeep of the Rocky Creek Conservation Area, Home Park, Volunteer Park, and our partner, the Key Peninsula Civic Center. 
• The Department of Natural Resources provided funding for Maple Hollow Park and 360 Trails because of the lobbying of the state legislature.