Celebrate Kopachuck State Park’s reopening on Aug. 2

GIG HARBOR – After more than a year of extensive renovations to improve the beloved community park, Kopachuck State Park in Gig Harbor will reopen on Aug. 2 with a public open house and celebration event.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is excited to welcome the community back to the park to enjoy its new features.

Kopachuck’s renovations include:

• An outdoor amphitheater
• A new playground
• An improved trail system
• A new park office and Welcome Center
• An upgraded parking lot
• A new rentable facility for events

The park’s renovations also include ADA improvements that will allow more people to access the welcome center, amphitheater and trails.

Kopachuck was a camping park for many years. However, its purpose shifted when laminated root rot was discovered in several of its trees in 2011. The reopening is the culmination of an extensive public planning process that began in 2014 to reimagine the state park as a day-use community gathering space.

Today, it is known as a beautiful spot for hiking, picnicking, swimming and paddling.

“It’s wonderful that we’re able to give the community the kind of park they can love and enjoy now and for generations to come,” State Parks South Sound Area Manager Olyvia Buday said.

Kopachuck will be open daily from dawn to dusk.

Reopening celebration

State Parks staff are excited to welcome the community back to the park on Aug. 2 with a reopening celebration that will include live music, food trucks, Junior Ranger activities for kids, park tours and more.

Overflow parking for the event will be available at neighboring Voyager Elementary School.

What: Grand reopening celebration, Kopachuck State Park

When: Saturday, Aug. 2., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Kopachuck State Park, 10712 56th St NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335-5932