Letters to the Editor
Letter to the Editor | Taking care of existing facilities should be top priority
The City of Gig Harbor recently held an open house on Thursday, September 18, 2025, to gather input on proposed improvements to Crescent Creek Park and the Masonic Lodge. While I appreciate the opportunity for community engagement, I urge the City Council to carefully consider the long-term costs of maintaining these proposed enhancements before moving forward.
My hope is that the City’s leadership will focus on taking pride in what we already have —and ensure that it is properly cared for. As a resident and taxpayer, I find it disheartening to see so many of our public assets in disrepair or neglect. I am often told that there is not enough funding to maintain existing infrastructure. If that is true, why are we committing to more?
Before building new amenities, we must take an honest look at our current assets and ensure we have the budget, manpower, and long-term plans in place to maintain them responsibly. Taking care of what we already have should be priority number one.
There is no question that parks and public spaces are vital to a healthy, thriving community. However, I cannot support the idea of investing in more improvements — without a realistic and sustainable plan for long-term upkeep. A quick drive or walk around town reveals how much already needs attention.
The City’s maintenance and operations budgets must be addressed before taking on additional unfunded commitments. It’s time to align our “nice-to-have” aspirations with what we can realistically care for — based on available resources, staffing, and management capabilities.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Wade Perrow
Gig Harbor