DeMolay Property Acquisition

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Category Overview

Washington is famous for its gorgeous and abundant waterways, from the Salish Sea to the Nisqually River, but many communities lack open public beaches and waterfronts where everyone can enjoy picnicking, swimming, paddling, boating, and angling. Water Access projects fund public shoreline access, boat launches, and fishing docks to create more opportunities for water recreation.

Project Highlights

The Peninsula Metropolitan Park District used this grant to purchase the DeMolay property on the northeast tip of Fox Island just west of Gig Harbor. The property is composed of three parcels totaling 3.56 acres and approximately 1,500 feet of marine shoreline. The primary recreation opportunity provided by the project will be water access for passive and non-motorized use.

Quick Facts

WWRP Applicant: Peninsula Metropolitan Park Category: Water Access WWRP Grant: $1,194,075.98 Applicant Match: $1,194,075.98 Project Type: Acquisition County: Pierce Legislative District: 26 Status: Closed Completed RCO Project # 10-1271

Location Details

Off WA-16 in Gig Harbor, take the Wollochet Dr NW exit (City Center). Turn west at Pioneer Way/Wollochet Dr NW, follow signs toward Fox Island. Continue on Wollochet Dr NW 2.6 miles as it bends and becomes 40th St NW for 0.7 mi. Turn left at 70th Ave NW for 0.5 mi. At “T”, turn right on 32nd St which becomes Warren Dr NW for 1.0 mi. Continue onto Fox Island Bridge for 0.3 mi, continue onto 3rd Avenue for 0.3 mi. At the first right on Fox Island, turn right at Bella Bella Drive and continue 0.7 mi to DeMolay property at end of Bella Bella.

What is the WWRP

The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) is a state grant program that creates and conserves local and state parks, wildlife habitat and working farms. The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office administers WWRP grants, and the legislature funds the program.