Happy Holidays from the

Gig Harbor Peninsula Youth Sports Coalition!

We are a dedicated group of volunteers who have spent the past 10 years advocating for the Gig Harbor Sports Complex and youth sports in the community.

Thank you for being part of this vital mission, and please connect with us via our website and social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.

NEW SPORTS COMPLEX COMING SPRING 2024

The City of Gig Harbor is actively advancing the development of the impressive 30-acre Gig Harbor Sports Complex (GHSC) in Gig Harbor North, near the YMCA. Progress continues with Phase 1B set to commence construction in the spring of 2024. This phase includes amenities such as pickle-ball and bocce ball courts, a playground, and an event lawn, as outlined in the City Council approved 2018 GHSC Master Plan.

The construction of Phase 1A, featuring two multi-use, all-weather turf and lighted fields, has been entrusted to the YMCA of Pierce & Kitsap through a long-term lease agreement. The YMCA is responsible for constructing, managing, and maintaining the fields for public use. However, the YMCA is mandated to raise $7,000,000 for the project, a fundraising effort currently underway. If successful, field construction could align with the City of Gig Harbor’s Phase 1B project in the spring of 2024.

Currently in the silent leadership phase of their fundraising campaign, the YMCA is actively engaging potential donors. With land use applications and design approvals secured, the project is ready to commence as soon as funds are raised. For more information on the YMCA’s fundraising efforts, visit their website.

The Gig Harbor Sports Complex – a sprawling sports facility akin to those in neighboring communities around the south Puget Sound and western Washington. Demonstrating its necessity in enhancing communities, this complex is set to be a valuable addition to Gig Harbor, offering a space for individuals of all ages to engage in diverse activities. Crucially, it addresses our local youth sports demand, providing year-round practice space for teams competing for field time. Beyond that, the complex is poised to serve as an outstanding venue for hosting events and gatherings, promising both social and economic benefits for Gig Harbor.

Over 7,000 Gig Harbor Peninsula Youth are Engaged in Field Sports in 2022-23

As we approach the 2023-24 Youth Sport Participation Survey, we are pleased to announce that the Gig Harbor Peninsula has achieved two consecutive years of record-breaking youth sports participation. The turnout for fall sports not only continues this positive trend but also hints at a thriving culture of growth and community involvement. Be sure to look out for the report in 2024.

A noteworthy achievement is the grand total of 7,134 participants in youth sports, underscoring the community's unwavering commitment to fostering a healthy and active lifestyle among its youth.

During the 2022-23 season, the non-school use category saw a substantial turnout of 5,398 participants, reflecting the community's broad engagement in various sports clubs beyond the school framework. Baseball, with representation from clubs like Pen Met and Gig Harbor Little League, significantly contributed with 1,674 participants. Football and cheerleading made significant strides with 829 participants, and lacrosse and soccer combined for an impressive 2,622 participants.

In our local schools, student-athletes from Harbor Ridge Middle School, Key Peninsula Middle School, Goodman Middle School, Kopachuck Middle School, Gig Harbor High School, and Peninsula High School collectively added 1,736 participants to the overall grand total.

The culmination of 7,134 participants in after-school youth sports is a testament to the community's steadfast dedication to providing opportunities for its youth to excel and grow through sports. The Coalition wants to celebrate the collective efforts that have made youth sports a thriving and integral part of life in the Gig Harbor Peninsula.

COMMUNITY INPUT NEEDED FOR THE FUTURE OF

THE GIG HARBOR SPORTS COMPLEX

The City of Gig Harbor is actively seeking community input on the future of Phases 2 & 3 of the Gig Harbor Sports Complex. Two open houses have been conducted to gather valuable feedback from residents regarding the proposed plans for the complex.

GHSC Phase 2 involves the current Gig Harbor Little League fields, slated to be converted to multi-sport, all-weather synthetic turf according to the 2018 GHSC Master Plan. The existing low-tech lighting will be replaced with new directional LED lighting to reduce impacts on neighbors. Phase 3, located south of the YMCA, calls for two multisport lighted and turfed fields.

The first open house, held in August at the Gig Harbor Little League Fields, allowed attendees to express their opinions on five conceptual designs. The second open house, held at the Gig Harbor Civic Center, aimed to determine which designs would proceed for comprehensive cost estimates, supporting the City Council’s decision on Phases 2 & 3.

While a majority of attendees expressed support for multi-sport facilities, all-weather turf, and lighted fields, there were also individuals opposing the Sports Complex. Strong opposition to Phases 2 & 3, with a preference for maintaining existing trees and limiting activity in the area, including parking, was notable.

Acknowledging the need for more fields, the City recognizes the sentiment expressed by parents of youth sports participants. Over the years, only two small substandard playfields have been developed, offset by the City building their Civic Center over two fields, resulting in a net impact of zero fields since the city's formation in 1947. The proposed Sports Complex project aims to address part of this unmet need.

Cost estimates will be presented to the council for discussion on January 11, 2024, followed by a vote on the preferred alternative at a regular meeting, including a public hearing in early 2024. Public engagement is crucial in shaping the future of athletic facilities in the community. The City encourages all interested community members to participate in the upcoming public hearing and make their voices heard on this important matter. Together, we can work towards creating a vibrant and inclusive sports complex that meets the needs of our community.

For further details and updates on these and other public engagement opportunities, follow the Gig Harbor Peninsula Youth Sports Coalition on Facebook & Instagram, subscribe to our email list, or look for updates on the City of Gig Harbor’s website.

GIG HARBOR'S PARK SYSTEM

As we set forth on our mission to elevate the quality of recreational facilities in our city, we must consider the fact that since the city's inception in 1947, only two parks—Kenneth Leo Veterans Memorial and Crescent Creek playfields—have materialized. Regrettably, the development of the Gig Harbor Civic Center resulted in the loss of two fields, leaving the city at net zero in terms of adequately providing area youth with sufficient field space for sports. The forthcoming Sports Complex project endeavors to tackle a portion of this unmet need head-on.

Background:

Recognizing the need for expanded recreational spaces, the Gig Harbor Parks and Youth Sports Coalition (GHPYSC) advocates for the completion of the Sports Complex, approved in 2018. However, opposition from some community members, particularly those in the Harbor Hill area and Herron’s Key, have delayed progress.

Opposition Concerns:

1. "The City of Gig Harbor has enough fields": The GHPYSC emphasizes the persistent lack of adequate facilities, as detailed in comprehensive studies, including the "State of Play Tacoma-Pierce County." The need for facilities like the Gig Harbor Sports Complex is crucial for sustaining youth sports and physical activity in our community.
2. "The project will eliminate trees, habitat, and cause global warming": The City of Gig Harbor remains committed to environmental responsibility. Extensive preservation efforts, including the acquisition of over 40 acres of forested land, demonstrate our dedication to balancing development with habitat conservation.
3. "Wildlife habitat will be destroyed, and carbon dioxide absorption will be reduced": The city is actively working on public-private partnerships to establish and conserve open space and habitat, ensuring the flourishing of area wildlife and healthy ecosystems.

"The removal of vast tracts of trees will degrade the rural character of Harbor Hill Drive": The proposed Sports Complex represents a less intensive use than current zoning permits, mitigating potential impacts on traffic, parking, stormwater management, and infrastructure.

Critics of the GHSC often argue that Gig Harbor possesses an adequate number of fields. However, The Aspen Institute contradicts this perspective, asserting that Gig Harbor requires additional turf fields, field lights, and indoor facilities. Enhanced fields emerged as the most frequently identified need across all communities and participation levels.

Concerns raised by children, parents, coaches, and administrators include scheduling difficulties stemming from rainouts, challenges playing outdoors during winter with limited daylight, and the drawbacks of muddy grass fields leading to significant divots and injuries.

We invite you to explore the State of Play Tacoma Pierce County Digital Report shared by the aspeninstitute.org.👇

ENGAGING IN SPORTS ACTIVITIES OFFERS NUMEROUS ADVANTAGES FOR YOUTH!

Better Physical Health - Enhances cardiovascular health, burns calories, boosts metabolism, improves strength and mobility, and contributes to quality sleep.

Improved Mental Health - Physical activity helps reduce stress hormones, increases endorphins and serotonin, lowering the risk of anxiety and depression.

Builds Strong Bonds - Sports aid in developing social skills, fostering teamwork, instilling healthy competition, promoting good sportsmanship, and nurturing empathy.

Improves Academic Performance - Youth sports are associated with heightened levels of academic achievement and creativity, enhancing skills such as critical thinking and determination.

Teaches Life Skills - Fosters empowerment, personal responsibility, and self-control. It also hones skills like goal-setting, time management, and leadership.

Join us in providing the youth in Gig Harbor the opportunity to experience these benefits through sports participation!



ECONOMIC IMPACT OF TYEE CUP TOURNAMENT AND FIELD CHALLENGES THE TYEE CUP: SOCCER EXTRAVAGANZA FACES FIELD DILEMMA⚽

Harbor Soccer Club takes pride in organizing a multitude of games each year, and the Tyee Cup Tournament stands out as a premier event. Over a weekend in August, teams from across Washington converge, turning Gig Harbor into a soccer haven.

This year witnessed 177 teams competing in 375 games, drawing over 10,000 enthusiasts to our community. The economic impact was evident, with local businesses thriving due to the influx of over 2,000 players and spectators.

However, the tournament's success has presented a challenge. The inadequate number of fields in Gig Harbor is prompting Harbor Soccer to consider relocating future events across the bridge.

For the past three years, Silas High School in Tacoma has accommodated games on its three full-size turf fields, along with four additional fields across three locations. While this compromise is practical, it comes with drawbacks.

Participants miss out on experiencing Gig Harbor's charm, affecting local businesses. The solution is clear – we need more lit turf fields to sustain and expand the tournament.

By enhancing our field capacity, we not only ensure a thriving Tyee Cup but also boost the local economy. More fields mean more visitors on our side of the bridge, supporting retailers, coffee shops, and restaurants while contributing essential tax revenue to the City. Let's invest in the future success of events like the Tyee Cup and Gig Harbor! 🌟



GIG HARBOR YOUTH SPORTS COALITION STREAMLINES FIELD APPLICATIONS

Good news for our local sports teams and managers. PenMet Parks and PSD have recently implemented a user-friendly and efficient field rental application process through the introduction of JotForm, now accessible on both of their websites.

Key Features:

• User-Friendly Options: The JotForm link provides a seamless experience with two clear choices – PenMet or PSD fields. Users can select their preferred organization, tailoring the application process to their unique needs.
• Efficient Routing: To simplify and expedite the allocation process, applications are directed to specific departments (either PenMet or PSD) based on the chosen organization.
• Collaborative Decision-Making: For applications involving both organizations, PenMet and PSD collaborate to find the optimal arrangement for user groups and field space.
• Improved Communication: Both PenMet and PSD understand the importance of clear and timely communication and ongoing communication remains a priority, as unique accommodations, additions or cancellations do occur.

User Feedback:

• Positive Transition: User groups have embraced the transition from traditional paper applications to JotForm. The ability to attach PDFs with requested dates has been particularly well-received, streamlining the submission process.
• Notable Requests: Despite the winter season typically slowing down field rentals, we've received notable requests from Narrows Baseball Club and Harbor Soccer Club, emphasizing the continued demand for our facilities.

Feedback and Next Steps:

Some groups are still submitting paper requests. To address potential confusion, we encourage reaching out to PSD for further clarification matisona@psd401.net. Winter is Peninsula School District’s busiest rental season, covering indoor sports such as wrestling and basketball. Communication is key! Your feedback is crucial to this process improving. 

Peninsula School District: matisona@psd401.net

Pen Met Parks: akrug@penmetparks.org



We recently interviewed our amazing sponsor, Kelli Maharry, owner of Harbor Family Law. 

When it comes to family law matters, Harbor Family Law, located in Gig Harbor, WA, is here to serve you. Whether you are going through the process of a divorce, legal separation, child custody dispute, child support dispute, or any other family law concern, Attorneys Chris D. Maharry, Anthony J. Zorich, and Bryon Guymon have the skill and experience to ensure you get the absolute best outcome possible. A family law firm serving the Greater Puget Sound Area, including Pierce, Kitsap, & South King counties, Chris, and his team at Harbor Family Law are committed to ensuring that each client receives assertive, compassionate, and personalized legal services that deliver highly successful results.

1. What inspired Harbor Family Law to support youth sports in the Gig Harbor Peninsula community, and why did you choose to partner with the Gig Harbor Peninsula Youth Sports Coalition?

“We strive to support our community, especially our youth, in having access to the best education and the best extracurricular activities. We know how important athletics is in giving youth a sense of team, pride, responsibility, and growth physically, mentally, and emotionally.”

2. How have you seen the families of our community directly impacted by the lack of lit turf fields?

“Our 3 young boys have to practice late for their age and are crammed onto fields with 4-7 other teams. More opportunities for youth sports would be available if we had the correct infrastructure for the size and demographics of our growing community.”

3. Harbor Family Law's sponsorship signifies a shared commitment to the community's growth. Can you elaborate on your passion for empowering youth athletes and fostering a sense of community through sports? 

“Chris and I both grew up as athletes and have been impacted in such a huge way. Being able to play, having good facilities, good programs, and great coaches have helped us become the people we are. We firmly believe that youth athletics is a crucial part of a growing community, and we believe that GH has unmet needs.”

4. What exciting announcements would your team at Harbor Family Law like to share with the community? 

“We have expanded our office space and added 4 additional staff to serve our community's family law needs. With our growth, we are proud to support our local schools, youth organizations, and youth athletics through partnership and support of organizations like GHP Youth Sports Coalition.”

For more information about Kelli Maharry and Harbor Family Law, please click the link below. 

https://harborfamilylawgroup.com/

CLUB SPOTLIGHTS

Two prominent youth sports clubs in our community, Harbor Soccer Club and Peninsula Youth Football and Cheer (PYFC), both financial supporters of the GHPYSC, are facing a common challenge—limited field space.

Harbor Soccer, with over 1,775 youth participants, is feeling the squeeze as recreational sports programs and school teams compete for coveted field time. Jason Jarrett, the Technical Director at Harbor Soccer, emphasizes that the upcoming sports complex, though a positive step, is just the beginning. Currently, teams are crammed onto single soccer fields, hindering game situation practices and leading some kids to seek opportunities outside Gig Harbor.

Meanwhile, PYFC Chairman Mike Bellerive highlights the struggle of putting five football teams on an 80-yard field, often in the dark, resulting in an athletic disadvantage compared to clubs with ample turf and lighting. As parents and coaches voice their concerns, the call for additional lighted and turfed fields becomes imperative to ensure that Gig Harbor's youth can compete on a level playing field, fostering not only athletic development but also community pride and economic growth.



PENINSULA YOUTH FOOTBALL & CHEER INTERVIEWS

The Coalition interviewed Mike Bellerive, Chairman of the Peninsula Youth Football and Cheer Board.

Mike and his wife, Lindsay moved to Gig Harbor 16 years ago and have 2 young boys who are very actively engaged in Gig Harbor Peninsula sports clubs. Mac and Bo currently play football, basketball and lacrosse. 

Here’s what Mike had to say when asked about the lack of lit turf fields in the GHP community. 

“We put 5 football teams on an 80 yard field when we do have the turf, which is only half the time. 

The first part of our practice is generally in the dark, which is not a fun way to play. We come up here, we’re crowded in here pretty good, it's not a full length field it's just 80 yards. 

It’d sure be nice for these kids to have a bigger field and more field space.”

We asked Mike, "Are PYF athletes at an athletic disadvantage to other area clubs due to having inadequate field space to run program needs?" 

The short answer - YES.

“We travel around to a lot of programs in this area and lit fields are the norm. Most of the teams we’re playing against have the ability to have 2 teams, or even one team on a 100 yard field. 

There's just more turf, more lights and more opportunities for the kids. I would love to see us rally around that here.”

DID YOU MISS OUR MOST RECENT POSTS?

🤝Community support is a fundamental value of Harbor Family Law, which is why they have been a wonderful asset to the Gig Harbor Peninsula Youth Sports Coalition and our initiatives.

We sat down for a quick chat and asked them a few questions about their involvement in support of youth sports in Gig Harbor.

Check out our interview👇

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🙏Thanks for coming back for part 2 of Jim’s interview!

We’re chatting about the positive impact the #gigharborsportscomplex would have on his kids and their family as a whole...



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