On April 24, 2026, community members gathered to celebrate a major milestone for Gig Harbor youth and families. The ribbon cutting of the Gig Harbor Sports Fields marks the completion of a long-anticipated project designed to expand access to outdoor play, team sports, and connection.
Located near the Tom Taylor Family YMCA and developed in partnership with the City of Gig Harbor, these new fields represent eight years of work, a $7 million investment, and a shared commitment to building something lasting for the community.
A Community Effort Worth Celebrating
The ribbon cutting ceremony brought together YMCA and City of Gig Harbor leadership, elected officials, community partners, and donors who helped make this project possible. With a strong turnout from the community, the event reflected just how much these fields mean to local families.
"This is a treasure for our community,” said Charlie Davis, CEO and President of YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties. “It's a textbook case of a community coming together to make something great happen.”
“This is an amazing day for our community. When you work so hard on a project and see it come to fruition, it brings you to tears,” said Mary Barber, Mayor of Gig Harbor. “A special thanks to our partnership with the YMCA, it’s truly incredible. These fields are a testament to what’s possible when a community comes together."
State Senator Deb Krishnadasan also spoke about the impact of the project. “It is incredibly exciting to see this investment in the community. I’ve seen firsthand how important outdoor spaces are for kids to grow, gain confidence, and be healthy. These outdoor spaces mean the world to these kids.”
Following the ceremony, kids took to the fields, playing alongside the Tacoma Rainer’s mascot, Rhubarb, and getting a firsthand look at what these new spaces make possible.
The celebration concluded with a drone show from the Peninsula School District’s PSD Performance Drone Team, lighting up the sky with displays featuring the YMCA logo and sports imagery that reflect the many ways these fields will be used.
Meeting a Growing Need
For years, local families have felt the impact of limited field space. With more than 9,000 youth participating in field sports in the Gig Harbor area, demand has consistently outpaced availability. Hundreds of kids have been waitlisted or unable to join teams due to the lack of playable fields.
These new fields directly address that need.
The Gig Harbor Sports Fields feature two lit synthetic turf fields designed to support a range of activities, including soccer, football, lacrosse, t-ball, and ultimate frisbee. The addition of turf and field lighting means fewer weather-related cancellations and the ability to extend play into the evening hours, creating more opportunities year-round.
Beyond organized leagues, the fields are designed to serve the broader community. Teams, clubs, and organizations can reserve the space for practice and games, while individuals and families can have access during non-reserved times.
A dedicated parking lot with 100 stalls makes access easier for families, and nearby Doris Heritage Park offers restrooms and a concession stand to support a full day of activity.
This thoughtful design ensures the fields aren’t just for competition, but for everyday recreation, pickup games, and time spent outdoors.
Part of a Bigger Vision
The sports fields are just one phase of the larger Gig Harbor Sports Complex, a long-term investment in outdoor recreation and community space. Phase one includes both the YMCA-operated sports fields and the adjacent Doris Heritage Park, which opened in 2025 with playgrounds, courts, and gathering spaces.
Future phases of the complex will continue to expand access, with plans for additional turf fields and amenities to meet the growing needs of the community.
Together, this vision creates a hub for sports, play, and connection that will serve Gig Harbor families for years to come.