Project Overview
The creation of Ancich Waterfront Park began on August 6, 2012, when the Gig Harbor City Council authorized the purchase of undeveloped properties to turn the space into a public park. Following a two-year visioning process that included more than a dozen public meetings and substantial input from community members, Resolution 949 was approved by the City Council and the Parks Commission in December 2013. The planning process included reaching out to the community to determine priorities and desired features of the park. These visioning sessions served as the template for the park renovation and the broader goal of providing everyone with greater access to the waterfront.
Current Project Status
Since beginning construction in late 2017, the city has completed nearly everything the community requested including the boat storage house, boat rinse station, renovation of the Ancich Netshed, and most of the landscaping. The paddlers dock is the final significant piece of the puzzle. The design is finished and permitting for the paddlers dock is already underway — now all we need is you! Please donate today!
Once completed, the park and facility will include:
- Boat storage building for non-motorized craft
- Paddlers dock
- Boat rinse station
- Small boat moorage for temporary use
- ADA-compliant restroom
- Viewing platform with benches at the sidewalk level
- Rain garden and landscaping
- Access to the renovated Ancich Netshed
- Access to the adjacent dinghy dock
Project Timeline
2012 – Gig Harbor City Council authorizes the purchase of undeveloped waterfront properties for the purpose of turning the space into a public park.
2013 – The city completes the public outreach and visioning process to determine the community’s wishes for the park. A paddlers dock and easier waterfront access are identified as top priorities.
2017 – Construction at the park begins.
2018 – The Community Paddlers Dock coalition, operating under the 501(c)(3) nonprofit oversight of the Gig Harbor Canoe and Kayak Race Team (GHCKRT), is formed to help the city complete the human-powered watercraft portion of the project. The coalition, using funding from a loan, starts the EPA permitting process while the city completes the boat storage house and other features.
2019 – The Ancich Park Boathouse, viewing platform, and Ancich Netshed are completed
2020 – Following the City of Gig Harbor’s decision to complete the project at the January council meeting, the Community Paddlers Dock coalition begins raising funds to build a specially designed floating paddlers dock that is accessible to all with the goal of raising the funds and completing the project within the fall of 2020.
How it Works
