Community Environment Government

Revamped Kopachuck State Park re-opens on Aug. 2

Kopachuck State Park, after a 14-month renovation, reopened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, Aug. 1. A public celebration follows Saturday, Aug. 2.

Community Sponsor

Community stories are made possible in part by Peninsula Light Co, a proud sponsor of Gig Harbor Now.

The state closed Kopachuck’s popular campground in 2011 as a safety precaution after Douglas fir trees became infected with laminated root rot disease. Many were cut down; others remained standing and could’ve fallen on campers. The rest of the park remained open, but without attractions besides the trails and beach.

From left, Olyvia Buday of Washington State Parks; former Parks Commissioner Pat Lantz; Diana Dupuis of Washington State Parks; and Parks Commissioner Scott Merriman after cutting the ribbon on Kopachuck State Park. Photo by Vince Dice

Long road from plan to completion

The state completed a master plan in 2014 that created a new identity as a day-use park for the 280-acre site along Carr Inlet. More than a decade later, it finally has been realized.

The $10 million transformation features a new welcome center/park office and a rentable multipurpose building that can accommodate weddings, school groups and community gatherings, an outdoor amphitheater, new playground, improved trail system and upgraded parking lot. ADA improvements will allow more people to enjoy it.

Olyvia Buday, State Parks’ South Sound Area manager, greeted about 70 invitees and led them on a tour of the new amenities Friday morning.

“As a local, I am beyond excited and proud to present a space that is worthy of the community’s love and support for future generations,” said the Peninsula High School graduate.

Olyvia Buday, South Sound manager for Washington State Parks, talks about Kopachuck State Park on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. Photo by Vince Dice

Buday joined State Parks Director Diana Dupuis, State Parks and Recreation Commissioner Scott Merriman and longtime state representative and parks commissioner Pat Lantz in snipping the red ribbon.

Kopachuck’s renovation couldn’t have occurred without multiple State Parks divisions and a large supporting cast, Buday said.
“We also had tremendous support from numerous outside stakeholders, including our dedicated contractors with Mountain Construction, our inspiring architect team with Bruce Dees & Associates and members of our community, many of whom are here with us today,” she said.

The new entrance to Kopachuck State Park. Photo by Vince Dice

‘They achieved it’

“The wonderful building you see behind me, along with the many park improvements, are a direct result of your hard work, your dedication and your commitment to the Gig Harbor community. In addition to those mentioned previously, I’d also like to acknowledge the efforts put forth by the Preserve Our Parks Foundation and former Commissioner Patricia Lantz, without whom this project may have never come to life.”

Former state Parks Commissioner Pat Lantz climbs the rope ladder on the Kopachuck State Park playground structure on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. Photo by Vince Dice

Lantz, who lives on nearby Raft Island, was most concerned about losing more trees, because they define Kopachuck, she said. Contractors removed just 25 for the project, according to State Parks. Another wasn’t planned. A huge fir snapped off in a November storm and barely missed crushing the new pavilion. The jagged snag remains as a symbol of the park’s resurrection from laminated root rot.

“Yesterday when I got a sneak peek, it was like a miracle unfolded in front of my eyes,” Lantz said. “They achieved it. The whole ambiance of what it does to you where you get a soul-satisfying feeling. It was totally successful.”

A snag from a tree that fell in November 2024 near the multipurpose building at Kopachuck State Park. Photo by Vince Dice

The new amenities, particularly the log-themed playground, blend with their natural surroundings.

“It’s so beautifully integrated into the beauty of Kopachuck,” said Director Dupuis. “The beauty is still here. Sometimes it’s going to be different. That doesn’t mean that it still can’t be amazing. … This is a tremendous asset to not only the people of this area and people visiting but for State Parks.”

Gig Harbor City Councilmember Em Stone and PenMet Parks Commissioner Kurt Grimmer check out the pump and water feature at the new playground at Kopachuck State Park on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. Photo by Vince Dice

Preserve Our Parks group

Bruce Dees, retired former owner of the architect firm, said goals included providing a rentable event space and nature play features for kids. What he likes the most is “just the fact that it is finished. We’ve been with it since 2011.

“I think it turned out really well,” he said. “Now to see the final product is very rewarding. We feel privileged to be a part of the work with the wonderful staff and commissioners of State Parks.”

Kopachuck neighbors in 2009 formed the Preserve Our Parks (POP) group not only to save their local state park but several others that were in jeopardy of closing because of a funding crisis. Several members attended Friday’s event.

“It looks fabulous so far,” said Chairwoman Linda Gough before the tour began. “It’s taken 15 years to get here, but between budget cuts and Covid, that’s what happens.”

Now that POP has helped keep parks open and get Kopachuck renovated, she intends to pull together a Friends of Kopachuck group.

Grand opening celebration

Saturday’s grand reopening celebration will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with live music, food trucks and park tours.

Climbing the playground structure at Kopachuck State Park on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. Photo by Vince Dice

Besides exploring the new amenities, people can watch George Kenny’s chainsaw carving demonstrations at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m., participate in Junior Ranger programs in the new amphitheater at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and paint rocks from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. DJ Leon Crawford will spin music from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the beach is sure to hold many treasures after going untrodden for more than a year.

Overflow parking will be available at neighboring Voyager Elementary School.

Kopachuck, at 10712 56th St. NW, will be open daily from dawn to dusk.

The beach at Kopachuck State Park on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. Photo by Vince Dice