Environment

Gig Harborites love the natural surroundings in which they live, and Gig Harbor Now staff members keep them apprised of opportunities to enjoy and preserve their forests, waters and creatures.

Penrose Point State Park closed until mid-May

Jan 18, 2023 | By: Ed Friedrich

The popular destination 21 miles from Gig Harbor is getting a new sewage system.

A swingset, boat structure and turn ride are featured at this playgound

Two in Tow & On the Go: Get to know Crescent Creek Park

Jan 12, 2023 | By: Tonya Strickland

Hey, guys! The new year is officially upon us and I’m excited to be writing my very first column in Gig Harbor Now, sharing all the local places to take kids in 2023. But, before we move forward, let’s take a quick look back. Way back. All the way to 1915 – when the site of Gig Harbor’s present-day Crescent Creek Park first took shape.

The property is adjacent to Austing Street and Donkey Creek Park.

Harbor Happenings: City celebrates North Creek property purchase

Jan 11, 2023 | By: Charlee Glock-Jackson

This week’s calendar has plenty of opportunities to enjoy music, movies and even a dedication ceremony at Gig Harbor’s newest “park.” The city of Gig Harbor will host an “un-groundbreaking” ceremony at the North Creek Salmon Heritage Site near Donkey Creek Park at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14. The ceremony celebrates acquisition of 5.15 acres

Most trees to be removed are to the west (in background) and north of the runway.

Tacoma Narrows Airport to cut down trees, as required by FAA

Dec 20, 2022 | By: Ed Friedrich

During a public comment period, the main concerns voiced were about the removal of trees that are obstacles to navigation.

New city parks manager has long experience in local government

Dec 14, 2022 | By: Charlee Glock-Jackson

Jennifer Haro was in Ireland to attend a friend’s wedding when she received an email indicating that the city of Gig Harbor wanted to interview her to be its new parks manager. After that slightly delayed interview, the city hired Haro as its new parks manager in early November. She replaces Matthew Keough, who took

Stronger shoreline protections on county council’s docket

Dec 12, 2022 | By: Ed Friedrich

If passed next week, an amendment to the shoreline management plan would keep 49.2 miles of shoreline free of docks and piers. They’d be mostly confined to shorelines where others already disrupt the habitat.

PenMet seeks community members to help study senior center, aquatics center

Dec 09, 2022 | By: Vince Dice

PenMet Parks is looking for community members to help determine the feasibility of a new senior center and a new aquatics facility in the Gig Harbor area. Members are being sought for two 16-member steering committees, one for the senior center and one for the aquatics facility. The committees will work with professional consultants to

Gig Harbor-based Russell Family Foundation commits to Net Zero

Dec 05, 2022 | By: Vince Dice

Since its founding in 1999, Gig Harbor-based The Russell Family Foundation made sustainability and environmental stewardship a top priority. The foundation was formed after the Russell family sold investment and financial services firm Frank Russell Co. to Northwestern Mutual Life for an estimated $1 billion. Since then, the foundation has operated with a mission it

How Gig Harbor prioritizes its snow removal efforts

Dec 02, 2022 | By: Charlee Glock-Jackson

Winter came early this year, with snow and freezing temperatures arriving just days after Thanksgiving. More snow could fall this weekend, according to the National Weather Service. The city of Gig Harbor Public Works Department has been busy for days, keeping streets clear and safe. When it snows or gets icy, the public works staff

Removing bulkheads recommended for sandspit park

Dec 01, 2022 | By: Ed Friedrich

PenMet board approves study option to most fully return beach to its natural state. Whether the work itself will be conducted is yet to be determined.