PenMet Parks is putting the finishing touches on its highly anticipated Recreation Center in Gig Harbor, a project that will bring much-needed indoor and outdoor athletic facilities to the community. The center is expected to open later this year, although a specific date has yet to be announced. Officials say that an official opening date will be shared by the end of May, possibly sooner.
The facility, located at 2524 14th Ave NW behind PenMet’s Administrative Building, boasts a wide range of amenities including an indoor turf field, multi-sport courts, a walking track, and more. PenMet Parks Executive Director Ally Bujacich emphasized that the center was built with community needs in mind.
“This space was truly designed with everyone in mind—from youth to seniors,” Bujacich told The News Tribune. “We’ve worked hard to listen to the community and provide a facility that serves all age groups.”
Years in the Making
PenMet purchased the 17.16-acre site in 2019, which previously housed the Performance Golf Center. Construction for the two-phase project kicked off in 2023. The first phase included the Administrative Building, completed under a $1.5 million contract. After switching contractors mid-project due to a dispute, PenMet moved forward with Jody Miller Construction for the second phase under a $20.7 million contract to build the recreation center.
The entire project is budgeted at $31.6 million, funded through a combination of a $16 million bond, $11.6 million in capital reserves, and $4 million from public and private contributions.
What to Expect at the New Center
Visitors to the facility will be welcomed by an expansive event lawn, which also serves as a U-10 soccer field. While there won’t be dedicated field lighting, surrounding poles and building lights will keep the area bright. The event lawn will also host food trucks and other activities during events.
The Cushman Trail will be extended by approximately 0.4 miles to connect with 24th Street Northwest near the recreation center, closing the gap with the nearby Scott Pierson Trail.
One familiar feature from the old golf center will remain: the miniature golf course. It is currently undergoing a redesign to include Pacific Northwest-themed sculptures such as a mother and baby whale, crab pots, a lighthouse, and a walkable model of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The updated mini golf course is expected to open in spring or early summer of 2025.
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Indoor Amenities for All Ages
The centerpiece of the facility is the Jarzynka Memorial Fieldhouse, named in honor of local football standout Joe Jarzynka. This 175-by-75-foot turf field is equipped with built-in goals and lighting, suitable for sports like soccer and lacrosse.
Next to the field is a multi-use sports court designed to host basketball, volleyball, and pickleball games. Divider curtains can be lowered to create three smaller courts, and the floor is marked for up to nine simultaneous pickleball games. To keep balls from entering the lobby, a large fishing net donated by the Harbor History Museum will hang as a barrier.
On the second floor, a free-to-use walking and jogging track circles above the courts. Dubbed the Ben B. Cheney Foundation Track, 11 laps around its two-lane loop equal one mile. The upper level also includes a multipurpose fitness room, community rooms, and administrative offices.
The fitness room will offer mirrors, a ballet barre, sound system, storage for yoga equipment, and a joint-friendly layered floor. Another versatile space has a roll-up door that opens to an outdoor patio, ideal for events or gatherings in warmer months.
Community-Centered Design and Programming
The entire center is designed with flexibility in mind. “Every room is built for multiple purposes and all age groups,” said PenMet Director of Development Tracy Stirrett.
PenMet’s program participation has surged recently, with senior program hours up 157% in 2024 compared to the previous year, and specialized/adaptive recreation and teen program hours also seeing triple-digit growth.
Community input shaped the center’s artistic elements as well. Interior walls feature salmon and fishing net-inspired graphics, and an art corridor, in partnership with the Peninsula Art League, will showcase rotating local artwork for sale. The initial theme is “water,” with artists receiving 100% of the proceeds.
Natural lighting fills the facility, and its cheerful color palette of soft peach and yellow gives the building a welcoming vibe. “Some people call it modern, others say it has a retro flair,” said Stirrett.
Pricing and Access
The recreation center will operate with a pass system that varies in price depending on age, visit frequency, and residency status. For example, a single-use pass for local youth ages 3-17 is $5, with discounted multi-use packages also available. Family passes are available at a flat rate—$10 for residents and $12 for non-residents.
These passes do not cover access to specialized fitness classes or mini golf, which will require separate payments. Notably, the facility will only accept electronic forms of payment.
For more details, including a full breakdown of pass pricing, visit the PenMet Parks website .
