Key Pen Parks Finalizes Purchase to Create 400 Acre Park and Natural Area

Information provided by Key Pen Parks.

On Friday, June 29, (Key Pen Parks) completed the acquisition of a parcel of farmland adjacent to Highway 302 on the Key Peninsula in unincorporated Pierce County that will allow it to serve regional users from several counties, Executive Director Scott Gallacher announced.

Located close to Highway 16 and bordering Kitsap County, the land will provide for current and future needs of multipurpose ball fields, event venues, hiking, cycling, equestrian and agri events, and a community center. The Park Board had been working on the acquisition for several years since they successfully received a lease on a 360 acre parcel immediately to the North from Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 

The land has been used in the past for the Renaissance Fair and sheep dog trials and has existing home, barns and beautiful gardens planted by the Anderson family, who sold it to Key Pen Parks to insure its enjoyment by the community. 

Master planning for the property will begin in 2013.

"There are simply so many possibilities with its size, different types of terrain and features. It abuts Horseshoe Lake Golf Course and is very close to Horseshoe Lake. There are miles of undisturbed hiking trails. At a recent 5K event there were deer watching the runners. Views from the highlands look out to the Olympics and Little Minter Creek meanders through the meadows. For the South Peninsula it will become a well-loved treasure," said Greg Anglemyer, Park Board President. "It has potential that can only be compared to regional parks like Point Defiance, Marymoor Park, and Fort Steilacoom. Every member of our Board has been excited about this purchase. It should give everyone within fifty miles a reason to come visit our beautiful Key Peninsula and enjoy not only this park, but other Key Pen Parks and State Parks out here."