We’re thrilled to celebrate a major milestone for the Peninsula Metropolitan Park District (PenMet): the official opening of both the Cushman Trail extension and the new PenMet Community Recreation Center! These exciting projects mark a significant investment in outdoor recreation, community health, and regional connectivity.
Expanding the Cushman Trail
With the support of a $500,000+ Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) Trails Grant and a $560,000 sponsor match, PenMet completed a $1.06 million project to extend the Cushman Trail by 0.5 miles. This new southern segment builds on the trail’s reputation as a vital recreational corridor and transportation alternative.
The Cushman Trail is approximately 6.2 miles of non-motorized public trail with a 16-foot wide paved asphalt surface to accommodate walkers, rollerbladers, and bicyclists. PenMet Parks currently maintains the first 1.6 miles of the trail from 14th Ave to Olympic Drive. The City of Gig Harbor maintains the trail from Olympic Dr. to Borgen Blvd.
What’s New?
This recent extension continues the trail south from 14th Ave NW, ending at the southwest corner of the PenMet Park District Headquarters parking lot. It runs alongside the newly completed PenMet Community Recreation Center, providing seamless access to both indoor and outdoor recreational amenities. The trail’s southern terminus now connects to WSDOT property along 24th Street NW, laying the groundwork for future connectivity.
Recreation for All
The Cushman Trail is designed for non-motorized recreation, supporting a wide range of uses:
- Cycling
- Walking
- Jogging
- Skating
These improvements not only enhance the quality of life for local residents but also expand regional opportunities for outdoor activity, active transportation, and safe travel across the community.
Congratulations, PenMet!
We applaud the Peninsula Metropolitan Park District for its continued leadership in growing recreational access for all. The Cushman Trail extension and new Community Recreation Center reflect years of thoughtful planning, investment, and collaboration, and will serve the community for generations to come.
