Community Government Health & Wellness

Public gets first look at PenMet’s new recreation center

PenMet Parks dedicated its new recreation center during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday evening.

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Board President Laurel Kingsbury and Executive Director Ally Bujacich told a crowd of about 200 that the community identified an indoor recreation center as a high priority and proffered gaps one could fill.

Executive Director Ally Bujacich addresses the crowd during the ribbon cutting. Behind her are board members Steve Nixon, Missy Hill, Lauren Kingsbury and Billy Sehmel. Kurt Grimmer is not visible. Photo by Ed Friedrich

PenMet transformed their vision into a 58,000-square-foot facility featuring a synthetic-turf field for soccer, football and lacrosse; three sports courts for basketball, pickleball and volleyball; a walking/running track; and spaces for fitness activities and gatherings.

Includes mini-golf course, trail extension

The new rec center anchors a 17.2-acre campus that includes a reimagined, Northwest-themed miniature golf course and a 0.4-mile extension of Cushman Trail. A large outdoor event lawn/youth soccer field separates it from PenMet’s administration building, which opened in December 2023 in the renovated former Performance Golf driving range and pro shop.

The $31.6 million facility officially opens on July 1.

Board President Laurel Kingsbury cuts the ribbon, cheered on by board members Billy Sehmel and Missy Hill. Photo courtesy of PenMet Parks

Kingsbury said she’s awed by the building and surprised it continues to take her breath away when she pulls into the parking lot. But it’s more than glass and steel.

Pride in collective accomplishment

“We’ve been counting the days, the months, the years for this moment, but in all that time of looking forward and dreaming about it finally opening and fulfilling its intended purpose of providing recreation, connection and joy for all, I didn’t actually expect to feel so smitten, so giddy, so truly and genuinely amazed,” she said. “It’s just a building, after all.

“But the more I reflect on these feelings, the more I realize they’re rooted in something much deeper than just a building. What I’m feeling is pride, accomplishment, gratitude, the unadulterated joy of being part of something great, being a part of a collective accomplishment, something that will bring joy, allow movement and create connections for a lot of people for many years to come.”

The sports courts. Photo by Ed Friedrich

The rec center symbolizes what is possible when people unite behind a common goal, she said.

“So whether you’re here to walk the track, shoot hoops, take a class, sink a hole in one, score a goal, dink in the kitchen or just bump into a neighbor, this space is yours, it’s ours,” Kingsbury said. “It’s a space for all. And together we can all feel pride in the accomplishment of coming together to recreate, to connect, to move, to experience joy. Let this recreation center be a lasting reminder of who we are, and what we can accomplish, together.”

How it began

Plans for a rec center emerged after PenMet’s lease expired on a former health club across Highway 16 that served as an indoor soccer center and community hub, said recent board member Amanda Babich. Owner Tacoma Screw tore down the old building to erect a fulfillment center in 2020.

PenMet contracted with Jody Miller Construction of Spanaway to build the rec center for $20.7 million and a few months later hired Bujacich to manage the project. Work began on Aug. 1, 2023.

The turf field. Photo by Ed Friedrich

Bujacich, who was elevated to executive director in March 2021, shared Kingsbury’s community theme.

“It’s a place available for all, regardless of age or ability,” she said. “… The real impact is the people. It is you and me, friends and neighbors, all of us together who will create memories and fill these spaces with life.”

Many contributed

Bujacich and Kingsbury thanked the many people who collaborated on the project, including the contractors, board members, staff, and local legislators and state grant folks who helped fund it.

“Most importantly, thank you to our community,” Bujacich said. “Thank you for your support. The rec center is for you. … We know this space is not just for us but for those who come after. Congratulations and welcome to your PenMet Parks recreation center.”

The rec center is funded primarily by $16 million in bonds paid by park district members’ property taxes. Another $11.6 million came from capital reserves. PenMet raised $3.4 million from a private capital campaign and announced a public phase Monday to reach the $4 million goal.

The lobby and stairs to the walking/running track. Photo by Ed Friedrich

All large projects face challenges, said Parks Construction Manager John Adams, but the PenMet and Jody Miller Construction teams worked together to keep the project progressing. The job stayed on budget through the COVID pandemic and despite supply chain issues that delayed the opening.

“It is an awesome project,” Adams said. “You come in the building and the architecture of it is stunning. From any view it just looks great. I’m beyond words about being able to deliver this to the community the way it’s been delivered.”

Grand opening Saturday

PenMet invites the public to a grand opening celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, at which they can partake of free mini-golf, music, food, games and giveaways. The first 500 families to arrive using a shuttle from Gig Harbor High School or walking/biking the Cushman Trail will receive a special rec center keepsake.

The rec center and mini-golf course are open to everyone. You don’t have to live within the parks district, though there’s a surcharge for non-residents. Hours and costs can be found here.