The City of Gig Harbor is thrilled to announce the groundbreaking ceremony for Phase 1B of the highly anticipated Gig Harbor Sports Complex. The event will take place Friday, May 24 at 10:00 a.m. at the sports complex site located at 10770 Harbor Hill Drive, Gig Harbor, WA (north end of the Tom Taylor YMCA parking lot).
Phase 1B marks a significant milestone in the development of the Gig Harbor Sports Complex, a project designed to enhance the community’s recreational opportunities while providing a state-of-the-art venue for sports and community events. This phase will include the construction of six pickleball courts (the first publicly dedicated pickleball courts in the area!), three bocce ball courts, a performance stage, an event lawn, a multi-age playground, two picnic shelters, and a bathroom/concession building.
The city’s vision for a community sports complex started back in 2013, after hearing from residents about the lack of available lit, synthetic turf fields in Gig Harbor. By 2017, the city had found the perfect location for a future sports complex and purchased the property abutting the Tom Taylor YMCA. And from there, a private-public partnership was formed. The city and YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties were determined to fund, design, and build the Gig Harbor Sports Complex – together.
Through this partnership and innovative funding, no general fund dollars will be spent on the project. Funding has been entirely secured through grants, private donations, impact fees, and capital project funds. This diverse approach only highlights the strong community support and collaborative spirit driving the project forward.
The city is not only committed to our youth, but also to sustainability, green space, and our urban forest. Therefore, every significant tree that is cut down as a result of this project will be replaced. Most will be replanted on-site, whether in the park or within the associated landscaping, however some trees will be replaced off-site at nearby city properties.
The Gig Harbor Sports Complex is envisioned as a premier destination for sports and recreation enthusiasts of all ages, and Phase 1B is only the first step in realizing this vision for our community. Construction of this phase is expected to be completed by spring of 2025, with additional phases and amenities to follow, each one enhancing the complex’s offerings and community impact.
The City of Gig Harbor extends its gratitude to our residents, local businesses, and community organizations and groups whose support has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. Together, we are building a more vibrant future for Gig Harbor.
For more information about the Gig Harbor Sports Complex, please visit www.gigharborwa.gov/637/Gig-Harbor-Sports-Complex or contact Parks Manager Jennifer Haro at (253) 853-8253 or jharo@piercecountywa.gov.
