News Flash

The Gig Harbor Arts Commission is sponsoring the artistic carving and/or embellishment of tree snags in Grandview Forest Park.

Application

Application deadline: May 1, 2026 **Must be received by 4:30pm

Project completion deadline: December 1, 2026

This application refers to snags located inside Grandview Forest Park at 3510 Grandview Street (see application package).

Project Overview

The Gig Harbor Arts Commission is sponsoring the artistic carving and/or embellishment of select tree snags. A “snag” is the term for a dead tree or a tree that has been cut down to a safe height and left to decay naturally. Most of the trees selected for this project will have been affected by laminated root rot, making the condition of the tree and the longevity of the art unknown.

Guidelines

• The total budget is not to exceed $7,500.
• All artistic themes are welcome for consideration, but final selection and approvals are at the discretion of the arts commission and the city council.
• Art materials must be eco-friendly and free of toxins, varnish, or other preservatives.
• Political, religious, or potentially offensive themes will not be considered.
• The snag will remain permanently rooted in place.
• The Artist is responsible for providing all materials.
• All successful artist(s) shall enter into a contract with the city, which at minimum will require general commercial liability insurance. 

Requirements

Submit the completed application via mail or email, along with a minimum of three examples (photos) of your work and/or a concept sketch of the proposed idea.

Submit via Mail to: City of Gig Harbor Arts Commission Attn: Assistant City Clerk 3510 Grandview Street Gig Harbor WA 98335

Submit via Email to:cityclerk@gigharborwa.gov

The 2025 Annual Report is now available online.

The 2025 Annual Report is available now and offers a comprehensive look at the work the city accomplished over the past year. From public safety and infrastructure to parks, planning, and municipal services, the report highlights the progress made and the challenges navigated as the city continues working to strengthen livability, stewardship, and economic vitality.

Click here to download the Annual Report (pdf)

 The 2025 Annual Report will also be featured as part of the State of the City presentations delivered by Mayor Mary Barber. The presentations kick off Thursday, March 5, at the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce March Membership Luncheon. Register for the lunch here. Mayor Barber will also share the report’s highlights with local Rotary and Kiwanis groups in the weeks ahead.

The Annual Report is one of many ways the City of Gig Harbor is working to ensure clarity, build confidence, and strengthen civic pride in service to the greater community. The report gives residents a look at how public resources are being used and how strategic goals are being advanced. It is designed to raise awareness and understanding of city departments, show key accomplishments, and provide context for ongoing initiatives. Whether you are a long-time resident or new to Gig Harbor, the report offers insight into how your local government operates and how the city is preparing for the future.

We invite you to explore the report and learn more about the work being done every day on behalf of Gig Harbor residents.

The application window for the Ancich Park boat storage is now open through February.

To apply for a spot in the rental window from April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027, click here.

The City of Gig Harbor owns and operates the boat storage building situated at the city’s Ancich Waterfront Park located at 3557 Harborview Drive. Within the boat storage building, the city manages the rental of a limited number of public storage racks for non-motorized, hand-launched boats (also known as “watercraft”), including canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards (SUPs) that are actively being used. The public storage racks are not intended to be used as dormant boat storage. Learn more.

PROJECT DETAILS

• Project Title: Gig Harbor High School Track & Field Renovation 
• Project Location: 5101 Rosedale Street | Parcel Number - 0221063047. The site is located on the north side of Rosedale Street, approximately 1,600 feet west of the intersection with Skansie Avenue.
• Project Description: Proposal is to modernize the existing high school track and field to improve safety, accessibility, and usability for students and the community. Planned upgrades include converting the natural grass field to a synthetic turf system, resurfacing and restriping the existing running track, and new perimeter pavement. The project will also add new aluminum bleachers with ADA-compliant seating, upgraded field lighting, a new scoreboard, and a lighted flagpole. Perimeter fencing will enhance security and crowd control. The proposed improvements will create a durable, accessible, and high-quality athletic venue for year-round use. 
• Requested Project Permits: Major Site Plan Review, Performance Based Height Exception, Civil Permit and Clear and Grading Permit

PUBLIC COMMENT INFORMATION

• Public Comment Period: From February 12, 2026 to February 26, 2026 (All comments must be received by the Planning Division by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date)
• Public Comments May Be Submitted in Writing By:
  • Mail to or in person to: Planning Division, 3510 Grandview Street, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
  • Email: PlanningComments@gigharborwa.gov *Comments should be as specific as possible

 Rights of the Public:

• To comment on the application
• To request notice of and participate in any hearings or public meetings
• To request a copy of the final decision
• To appeal the decision (subject to GHMC 19.06)

Public Hearing Information: A hearing date has not been scheduled for this application 

For questions or additional information, contact Nestor Guevara, Senior Planner at (253)851-6170 or NGuevara@gigharborwa.gov.

Documents pertinent to this application are available for review and inspection at the City of Gig Harbor Planning Division, 3510 Grandview Street, Gig Harbor, WA 98335, during normal business hours, Monday through Friday. Documents are also available at www.gigharborwa.gov by clicking “Permit Portal” and entering the permit number.

PROJECT DETAILS

• Project Title: Lift Station 1A Sanitary Sewer Replacement
• Project Location: 3303 Vernhardson Street | Parcel Number 0222323018. The site is located on the north side of Vernhardson Street at the intersection with Randall Drive
• Project Description: This proposal is to upgrade Sanitary Sewer Lift Station No. 1A to improve reliability and service for the community. The work includes building a new underground wet well with modern pumps, along with a new approximately 600-square-foot metal building and improved driveway access. The new facility will house essential equipment such as water service connections, valves and piping, a backup diesel generator, odor control systems, and electrical controls to support safe and efficient operation. 

PUBLIC COMMENT INFORMATION

• Public Comment Period: From February 13, 2026 to March 16, 2026 (All comments must be received by the Planning Division by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date)
• Public Comments May Be Submitted in Writing By:
  1. Mail to or in person to: Planning Division, 3510 Grandview Street, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
  2. Email: PlanningComments@gigharborwa.gov *Comments should be as specific as possible
• Rights of the Public:
  1. To comment on the application
  2. To request notice of and participate in any hearings or public meetings
  3. To request a copy of the final decision
  4. To appeal the decision (subject to GHMC 19.06)

Public Hearing Information: A hearing date has not been scheduled for this project 

For questions or additional information, contact Katharine Shaffer, Principal Planner at (253)851-6170 or KShaffer@gigharborwa.gov.

 Documents pertinent to this application are available for review and inspection at the City of Gig Harbor Planning Division, 3510 Grandview Street, Gig Harbor, WA 98335, during normal business hours, Monday through Friday. Documents are also available at www.gigharborwa.gov by clicking “Permit Portal” and entering the permit number.

The city is seeking residents interested in serving on the Gig Harbor Arts Commission.

The arts commission provides guidance and recommendations to the city council on public art. Volunteer members of the commission must be a resident of the greater Gig Harbor area within Pierce County (west of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and east of the Purdy Bridge). Use this interactive tool to verify you meet this requirement. Preference may be shown for city residents. The position is voluntary and is not subject to compensation by the city. 

Persons interested in serving on the arts commission should submit a completed application by Monday, March 2, 2026. 

The city is seeking volunteers interested in serving on the Gig Harbor Parks Commission.

The parks commission is charged with advising the mayor and city council on parks and recreation facilities, open space acquisition and development, maintenance and operation of parks and recreation public facilities, and other matters as directed by city council.  

Each member of the parks commission shall be a resident of the City of Gig Harbor or reside within the city’s Urban Growth Area (UGA). Use this interactive tool to verify that you meet this requirement.

The parks commission meets monthly on the first Wednesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. These are volunteer positions not subject to compensation.

Persons interested in serving must submit a completed application by Monday, March 2, 2026.