HARBOR CENTER
The "Harbor Center" is more than a building —
it’s a place where people of all ages can connect, learn, and celebrate.
Born out of the community’s long-standing need for a dedicated senior center, the
Harbor Center has evolved into a shared vision — A place that serves our seniors, strengthens our families, celebrates our culture, provides opportunities for community connection, and protects our environment.
The Harbor Center will bring together a dedicated Senior Center, Event and Gathering Space, and Environmental Learning Center — all on one vibrant, community-owned campus.
THE SITE - Point Fosdick & 36th Street NW
The Community Campus will invite CBNS students to open their imaginations in a rich learning environment featuring restored native vegetation, learning gardens, trails and immersive outdoor educational curriculum; and enable EnviroCorps program expansion.
Working closely with the landowner and Pierce County since 2018, we received conditional use permit approval on July 9, 2021. And, now the real work begins!
With a goal of site occupancy by 2023, the Foundation must raise $750,000 to complete all of the renovations and site improvements required to meet current code.
Stay tuned for more information on how you can help support the Community Campus Capital Campaign!
THE NEED
Since 2000, Gig Harbor’s senior population has grown dramatically, with the number of residents age 65 and older increasing by nearly 86%. While the Gig Harbor Senior Center—our community’s only senior center—has worked tirelessly to respond to this growth, it has operated since 2019 from a shared space not designed to meet the needs of a rapidly aging population. At the same time, Gig Harbor lacks flexible, accessible spaces for community events, performances, and gatherings, as well as welcoming places where residents of all ages can connect with nature and with one another.
The Harbor Center directly addresses these needs by establishing a permanent, purpose-built facility that unites senior programs, shared community spaces, education and protected lands.
To learn more about why the Harbor Center matters for our community, our region, and our shared future, visit the project website here here.
THE IMPACT
Foundation programs, projects and services have directly provided our community with more than $22 million in resources across our five mission focused areas, all in support of efforts for a vibrant, healthy and sustainable community. This opportunity will:
Create a permanent home for our community foundation and its programs, projects, and all future initiatives – a home where we can convene, collaborate and grow
Model for a community center that promotes intergenerational programs, diverse learning and research opportunities, and a connection to nature through on the ground restoration and sustainable community gardening projects
Provide opportunities to host place-based, experiential educational programs that bring our community together - from explorations of local flora and fauna to immersive experiences with art and science
Foster environmental health, stewardship, conservation, and awareness
Encourage volunteerism, engagement and authentic community partnerships
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Your support is critical to the success of the development of the “Forever Home” for our community’s foundation. Your generous donation will help fund:
A gathering space and resource for community building and education
Enhanced indoor and outdoor classrooms for GGHF Curious by Nature School
Expanded environmental education programs for the local community
Educational gardens, sustainable landscapes, restored habitats, and improved watershed health
